Panel Assistant - Danone Nutricia

<p><strong>We have an exciting opportunity for a sensory Panel Assistant to be working in Utrecht </strong><strong>at Danone Nutricia Research! Apply now to join the team at MMR!</strong></p> <p>MMR is a global leader in guiding innovation for clients within the food, drink and personal care sectors. We advise many iconic global brands, as well as up-and-coming innovators. Our culture is vibrant, fast-paced, yet friendly and supportive. Our work practices embody both scientific rigor and creative drive, leading to innovation in research methods and techniques to facilitate our clients’ creative business thinking. </p> <p>We are looking for a <strong>sensory panel assistant </strong>to join MMR’s passionate and vibrant team working in Utrecht at <strong>Danone Nutricia Research</strong>, running exciting sensory projects to help our clients innovate in the Specialized Nutrition category. </p> <p>The Sensory Panel Assistant reports to the Sensory Panel leaders / Manager, assisting them to ensure that sensory projects run smoothly by managing all activities related to the sensory panels’ sessions, overseeing sensory laboratory operations and efficiency.</p> <p><strong>Key responsibilities:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Maintain sensory kitchen/laboratory functionality by checking stock to determine needed supplies/products, placing orders, and verifying receipt of supplies/products.</li> <li>Receive, store and prepare samples/materials for all sensory panel sessions.</li> <li>Research, source, prepare and manage products and sensory references for sensory panel sessions.</li> <li>Program the sensory software (EyeQuestion) for sensory project data collection - training will be provided.</li> <li>Follow, apply and document appropriate research protocols, including identifying and assigning appropriate test design, measurement, solutions preparation</li> <li>Ensure that sensory panel working areas and all associated materials and equipment are prepared appropriately for each session and cleaned after.</li> <li>Ensure that all activities carried out comply with basic food hygiene standards - training provided if required.</li> <li>Maintain and develop kitchen laboratory Standard Operation Procedures by identifying information needs and problems; recommending improvements; establishing priorities; </li> <li>Assist Sensory managers in administrative duties related to the sensory panel (e.g. timesheets, scheduling, updating databases, coordinating with panelists and contractors)</li> <li>Give basic sensory panel trainings and run evaluation sessions individually</li> <li>Promote a positive and pleasant working environment for all at MMR, at all times</li> </ul><p><strong>Requirements</strong></p><ul> <li>Strong organizational skills and great attention to details</li> <li>Ownership and accountability</li> <li>Self-management and flexibility to adapt to priority changes</li> <li>Leadership and good communication skills, both oral and written</li> <li>Ability to establish and maintain effective relationship with colleagues</li> <li>A degree or certification in Food Science is a plus</li> <li>Ability to stand for up to 6 hours a day</li> <li>Proactivity and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment</li> <li>Computer literate, with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook</li> <li>Hands-on experience in Laboratory or Food Service environment is ideal; in a sensory lab is a plus.</li> </ul><p><strong>Benefits</strong></p><p>MMR offers an open, diverse and non-hierarchical environment, where our people are valued at every level, in every location.</p> <p>MMR delivers a class leading set of marketing science tools and approaches, many of which are proprietary to MMR. We are endorsed by our global client base for our agility, technical expertise and willingness to adapt research solutions to directly focus on specific client challenges. We’ve built a reputation of providing innovative statistical analysis and techniques, coupled with optimal research design consultancy, that successfully delivers against our clients’ specific business objectives.</p> <p>MMR is an Equal Opportunity Employer</p>