Company Description

SAM is a fast-growing and global sensory and consumer research consultancy. Our mission is to allow consumers a voice in the development of outstanding food, beverage, pet, and health & beauty products so as to create high quality and memorable experiences. We help our clients:

Develop new product ideasRe-energize a well-established productAssess product-concept fit or packaging effectivenessUnderstand the product, brand and category competitive landscapesProtect product quality from inception to the end of shelf life

SAM The National Food Lab is the division of SAM that provides these services for all USA-based clients. Our sensory science program resides in our USA headquarters in Minneapolis, MN.

The statements below reflect the general responsibilities and requirements of the Sensory Research Manager position but may not describe all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Job Description

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Sensory Research Manager, following is a list of job responsibilities; this list is not exhaustive. Additional tasks may be available as business needs dictate.Support Sensory Research Manager to design and execute projects to clients’ full satisfaction.  Task will include:Oversee the receipt and inventory of products for assigned projects.Update the Sensory/Stat tracker weekly and as new projects get scheduled.Product benching and development of product preparation and shopping instructions for manager and client review/approval. Leading the development of the Lexicon (including references) and related panel orientation sessions, by working closely with the manager and client to secure approval.Create reference prep sheets for DAs and hand-off to sensory tech.Collaborate with statistician to develop sample blinding codes and scientific sample serve rotation (rando). Provide technician with detailed serve timing instructions to ensure sample quality and consistency.Provide survey team with guidance on final lexicon/ballot and QC programming.Assist with scheduling of sensory panelists.Lead panel sessions and QC data as assigned.Assist in data analysis and reporting of results to clients.Coordinate refresher trainings for dedicated panels.Support Sensory Research Manager with execution of Sensory Shelf Life projects.to clients’ full satisfaction as requested.Ensure that all safety guidelines and procedures are followed, as the safety of our employees is a primary responsibility during the running of tests.Maintain a clean work environment, including assigned product/equipment storage areas.Comply with appropriate SOPs and methods and established policies and procedures.Other tasks as assigned may include creation of reference/sample labels, labeling of samples and/or serve containers, cleaning product/equipment storage areas, shopping, packaging, and shipping products to clients or other testing sites.

Qualifications

 Educational Background:

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or Sensory Science preferredMinimum of 1 year(s) + of related work or volunteer experience and/or training; Safe Serve certified a plusWilling to participate in product tastings/cutting of a wide range of product types.Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate details (both verbal and written) to the client in a professional mannerPassion for sensory scienceHigh Attention to DetailExcellent organization skills and the ability to multitaskTeam player, upbeat and positive, flexible and adaptableStrong skills in word processing applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint & Outlook is required

Demonstrated Behaviors:

A strong communicatorAbility to adapt; creative problem solvingFast learner, shows passion for curiosity and continuous learningShows leadership skills by their drive and motivation to inspire others

 

Additional Information

Required Licenses or Certificates:

Valid Driver’s License and Proof of InsuranceAll your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:                

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds (50 lbs. with assistance).The employee must have the ability to stand for long periods of time.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.Lab regularly processes known food allergens including egg, soy, wheat, milk, fish,  and shellfish, treenuts, peanuts, sulfites, gluten, chocolate, fruit, natural or artificial sweeteners (like aspartame or Phenylalanine), natural or artificial colors.The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Eurofins is a M/F, Disabled, and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.