Sensory Panel Assistant

As the world leading sensory partner, MMR Research Worldwide helps clients create extraordinary product experiences globally! We have big plans for our US operation, and we’re looking for a proactive and ambitious individual to join our growing sensory team as a part-time Sensory Panel Technician/Kitchen Technician, based on-site at our client’s sensory facility in Frisco, Texas.

MMR is an independent, global consumer and sensory research agency specializing in food, drink, personal and household care research. We are industry leaders, guiding best in class innovation for our clients – partnering with over 50% of the top 100 global food and drink brands. The chances are the last time you went to the supermarket, you bought something that we’ve influenced on its way to the shelves.

Our team of over 600 highly engaged, multi-disciplined employees are primarily dynamic research professionals, sensory experts and data scientists. We’re a diverse bunch, with backgrounds in R&D, insight, marketing, sensory science, data sciences and psychology. We also boast a true global reach with offices in the US, UK, The Netherlands, China, Singapore, India, Thailand, South Africa, Colombia and Brazil.

We are a “people first” company that prides itself on collaboration, honesty and mutual trust. A company who obtained some fantastic feedback for company engagement and team spirit in a recent employee study with 80% of employees stating they’re happy and proud to work for MMR.

The Sensory Panel Technician will work closely with our client’s sensory panel and sensory team, assisting them to ensure that sensory projects run smoothly by managing all activities related to the sensory panels, preparing and serving products, and overseeing sensory laboratory productivity. They will be remotely supported by a US Sensory Manager at MMR.

Employment details:

Starting salary: $20,000

Days & hours of work (21-22 hours per week, depending on availability):

• Monday: 9am-1.30pm or 9am-2.30pm
• Tuesday through Thursday: 8am-1.30pm, 8.30am-2pm OR 9am-2.30pm (TBD based on sensory panel session hours)

Weeks per year: 36-38 weeks/year (following client holidays & some local school holidays)

Employment benefits: Base salary, sick leave, paid time off, 401k (health benefits not provided)

The role will require you to:

• Prepare, serve and clean-up all products for sensory tests
• Research, source, prepare, manage and inventory products and sensory references for sensory panel sessions
• Ensure that all activities carried out comply with basic food hygiene standards – training will be provided
• Assist Panel Leaders with panel management
• Liaise with the panel leader and client’s sensory team for panel/project scheduling
• Handle administrative duties related to the sensory panel (e.g. timesheets, scheduling, coordinating with panelists and contractors, tracking expenses)
• Run screening sessions for new panelist candidates
• Organize panel appreciation events
• Program and run sensory software (Compusense) for sensory project data collection – training will be provided
• Prepare testing materials and screening supplies for panelist recruitment

This is a fast-paced role and you will need to be organized with strong time management skills as you will work on a variety of projects at the same time.

Requirements

You will have:

• Ownership and accountability
• Logical, analytical mind
• Proactivity and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Self-management and flexibility to adapt to priority changes
• Leadership and good communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationship with colleagues
• Great attention to detail – should be able to check own work and others’ work for inconsistencies and take the necessary action to rectify any errors/problems
• Natural passion for seeking out the most effective and efficient ways of working and being prepared to speak up about your ideas
• Computer literate, with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. Training will be given in the relevant software packages
• Current Driver’s license and access to vehicle
• Aptitude for food/beverage preparation with limited supervision needed
• Hands-on experience in Laboratory or Food Service environment is ideal; in a sensory lab is a plus
• Ability to be on your feet for pro-longed periods of time and able to lift heavy items (up to 20lb) when required

Benefits

MMR Research Worldwide is an Equal Opportunities Employer.