Location: Southampton
Function: Research & Development (R&D)
Pay Rate: £18.51 per hour
About the Role
We are looking for a talented and motivated Sensory Scientist to join our Global R&D team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering high-quality sensory insights that support product development and business decision-making across multiple markets.
As a Sensory Scientist, you will be responsible for maintaining sensory best practices, supporting regional sensory panels, and ensuring the delivery of robust, reliable sensory data. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will provide expert guidance on sensory methodologies and help drive continuous improvement in sensory capabilities across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Support all regional sensory panel activities, ensuring projects are delivered on time, in full, and to the highest quality standards.
- Maintain expertise across all aspects of sensory evaluation and panel management.
- Ensure global alignment and implementation of sensory best practices.
- Provide sensory consultancy and technical guidance to project teams and stakeholders.
- Lead and coordinate sensory testing activities to generate meaningful consumer and product insights.
- Manage sensory panel recruitment, screening, training, validation, and performance monitoring.
- Identify and apply appropriate sensory methodologies to meet project objectives.
- Analyse sensory data and communicate clear, actionable recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Manage regional requests relating to sensory testing, methodologies, and reporting.
- Maintain accurate project documentation and ensure knowledge sharing across the wider sensory team.
- Collaborate with local, regional, and virtual teams to deliver projects successfully.
- Drive continuous improvement in sensory processes, facilities, digital tools, and ways of working.
- Support change management initiatives and promote understanding of sensory science across the business.
- Apply project management principles and digital data solutions to enhance sensory insights and decision-making.
About You
You are a highly organised and analytical professional with a passion for sensory science and a strong track record of managing sensory panels and delivering sensory insight programmes. You are comfortable working across multiple projects and communicating complex technical information to a wide range of stakeholders.
Essential Requirements
Experience
- Degree qualified in a scientific discipline such as Life Sciences, Consumer Science, Sensory Science, Marketing, or a related field.
- Experience establishing, managing, and maintaining sensory panels.
- Proven experience organising and delivering sensory insight programmes aligned to business objectives.
Technical Skills
- Strong organisational, planning, and time management skills.
- Experience analysing sensory data using statistical techniques such as ANOVA and Multiple Comparison Tests.
- Experience using sensory software, particularly Compusense.
- Knowledge of sensory methodologies including:
- Descriptive analysis (QDA, Spectrum)
- Discriminative testing (Duo-Trio, Triangle, Tetrad)
- Temporal methods (TDS, DTI)
- Ranking and CATA approaches
- Understanding of panel recruitment, training, validation, monitoring, and development.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English and collaborate with diverse stakeholder groups.
- Strong relationship-building and cross-functional communication skills.
- Proactive, resilient, and adaptable approach to problem-solving and change.
- Ability to manage stakeholder demands and prioritise sensory activities effectively.
Qualifications
- Degree or professional qualification in Sensory Science, Consumer Science, Life Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
Desirable Skills
- Knowledge of consumer research and sensory networks.
- Experience in digital and data science, including multivariate analysis and R programming.
- Project management experience.
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to work within a global R&D environment.
- Influence product innovation through sensory science and consumer insights.
- Collaborate with international teams and stakeholders.
- Develop expertise across a broad range of products and sensory methodologies.
- Contribute to the evolution of industry-leading sensory practices.
Before You Apply
Please consider the following questions:
- Do you have experience creating, managing, and maintaining sensory panels?
- Do you have knowledge of sensory testing methodologies and sensory science principles?
- Are you confident communicating complex technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences?
If you answered yes to these questions, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to become part of our innovative Global R&D team.
This is a contract opportunity with a provisional end date of August 2027 although there is a strong likelihood of extension
