Sensory Scientist

The purpose of the role
Lead Sensory testing in support of Commercial Teams and/or GPE and Innovation initiatives. Design appropriate tests that provide recommendations to internal and external customers to assist in making decisions and driving business opportunities.

Responsibilities
•    Manage day-to-day activities of Griffith Foods Europe Professional Sensory Panel.          
•    Manage test scheduling for European Sensory Department.
•    Develop and lead new and ongoing panellist training sessions. Monitor panellist performance.
•    Aid the tracking of panellist consistency scores and provide regular feedback to panellists.
•    Ensure samples are prepared appropriately and in sufficient quantity for Sensory testing.
•    Identify appropriate reference products for Sensory training and procure and prepare appropriately.
•    Design and execute requested Sensory tests to support project objectives for Commercial teams and/or GPE and Innovation initiatives.
•    Design and execute appropriate analytical Sensory tests. Analyse and interpret results of Sensory tests to provide recommendations to cross-functional partners and external customers.
•    Recruit internal employees to participate in Sensory testing activities.
•    Participate as Sensory Science representative on select project teams.
•    Communicate clear and actionable recommendations based on Sensory findings.
•    Proactively identify ways to use more sustainable supply options.
•    Complete Sensory mapping of select product categories with support from Sensory Lead.
•    Analyse and interpret results of Sensory discrimination tests and profiling to provide recommendations to internal and external customers.
•    Support research and trial of new/novel Sensory methodologies.
•    Source samples for Sensory testing as appropriate.
•    Maintain shelf-life schedules, ensuring that all testing and reporting is completed in a timely manner.
•    Maintain a clean and operational Sensory testing space, including monitoring the functionality of equipment and procuring Sensory consumables.
•    Maintain documentation of established Sensory protocols and training materials.
•    Complete Sensory testing in line with Industry standards, ensuring that minimum criteria are met to ensure statistical validity of the results.
•    Attend conferences and courses to learn new approaches to Sensory testing.
•    Be flexible to execute new projects/activities according to potential changes in priorities to support key initiatives of Griffith Foods.
•    Trained in and familiar with Griffith Foods Sensory lexicon and testing methodologies.

Requirements

Education
•    BSc Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Sensory Science or equivalent discipline

Experience
•    Experience in applied Sensory Science.
•    Experience with discrimination and descriptive Sensory methods and basic statistical analysis.
•    Proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office suite, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
•    Experience in analysing and presenting Sensory data and solutions.
•    Strong organisational and communication skills
•    Experience using CompuSense software suite is preferred.
•    Placement year completed in Food Industry or prior experience participating in or running a Sensory panel is preferred.
•    Full UK Driving License holder is preferred.