R&D Sensory Technician&Internal PanelLeader, Orbe

Jobdescription As R&D Sensory Technician&Internal Panel Leader, you contribute to the delivery of reliable, high-quality sensory data by supporting external sensory panel activities and by leading internal sensory panels for Technical Acceptance and Shelf-Life studies.

You operate in full compliance with sensory laboratory good practices and ensure robust execution, data quality, and first-level analysis and reporting. You work in close collaboration with the Sensory Operations team, the Sensory&Product Experience (SPX) team, Manufacturing, Product Developers, and Project Managers to support R&D and factory decision-making.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Sensory Technician ? External Panels

Support the Panel Leader and Sensory Analyst in the operational delivery of sensory testing with external panels, in compliance with sensory laboratory best practices.

Organize sensory sessions based on defined protocols (product preparation, coding, sensory room setup).

Set up, copy, and deploy sensory sessions in EyeQuestion when required, acting as a backup for Panel Leader&Sensory Analyst.

Provide samples to external panelists during on?site sessions when relevant.

Manage products under test, including procurement, storage, disposal, and associated compliance documentation.

2. Internal Panel Leader ? Technical Acceptance&Shelf-Life

Lead internal sensory panels for Technical Acceptance and Shelf-Life studies in response to business needs.

Screen, train, and monitor validated internal panelists; maintain all panel-related and performance records.

Organize and conduct internal sensory sessions (product preparation, coding, sensory room setup) using EyeQuestion.

Monitor panel performance and data quality on a routine basis; initiate corrective and improvement actions when required.

Challenge product selection and sensory methodologies in line with study objectives and shelf-life designs, with SPX support.

Contribute to first-level sensory analysis for simple sensory studies (e.g. comparative profiling, shelf-life studies, agile sensory methods such as DoD or RATA).

Provide clear conclusions and actionable recommendations to requestors and stakeholders.

Manage products under test, including procurement, storage, disposal, and compliance documentation.

3. Laboratory, Materials&Facilities

Ensure compliance with sensory laboratory good practices and safe laboratory behavior.

Maintain sensory equipment and facilities clean, organized, and operational.

Order materials and supplies as required; suggest continuous improvements to laboratory organization and processes.

Coordinate minor renovation or improvement work within the sensory laboratories.

Qualifikationen BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

Precise, conscientious, and quality?focused.

Well organized, reliable, and able to work independently.

Strong team player with good collaboration and communication skills.

Logical and analytical mindset with sound critical thinking.

Proactive, flexible, and comfortable taking initiative.

Strong sense of responsibility and ownership.

PROFILE&QUALIFICATIONS Education

Bachelor's degree in Sensory Science, Food Science, or a related field (e.g. market research, communication with a scientific background).

Experience

Initial experience in a sensory laboratory environment.

Experience in the food, flavor, or beverage industry is an asset.

Experience with internal sensory panels is a plus.

Technical Skills

Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Good numerical skills with basic statistical knowledge.

Experience with sensory software (e.g. EyeQuestion) is an asset.

Fluent in French.

Comfortable working in English in a professional environment.

Other

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Ability to work effectively in a team and adapt to changing priorities.

Flexibility in working hours according to business needs.

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