Sensory Scientist

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.

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This is a contract opportunity with a provisional end date of August 2027 although there is a strong likelihood of extension

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