Sensory Trained Panelist

Location: Plymouth, Minnesota, USA; onsite panel sessions

Salary: $16.50 per hour

Company

hirify.global's SAM division is a sensory and consumer research consultancy supporting the development, evaluation, and quality protection of food, beverage, pet, health, beauty, and personal care products for USA-based clients.

What you will do

• Learn to objectively assess product appearance, aroma, flavor, texture, after-feel, and other sensory attributes.
• Evaluate multiple product samples using trained sensory skills, standardized terminology, and calibrated intensity scales.
• Follow sample-handling, evaluation-order, timing, scoring, hygiene, and safety protocols.
• Record detailed and reliable observations through digital ballots or paper forms.
• Attend training and calibration sessions and communicate performance issues to the Panel Leader.
• Protect prototype and client information and collaborate with other panelists to reach agreement on sensory properties.

Requirements

• Availability for scheduled sessions in Plymouth, Minnesota, with consistent attendance and punctuality.
• No food allergies or intolerances, skin allergies or intolerances, or conditions that impair taste, smell, or tactile perception.
• Ability to evaluate products repeatedly in a controlled format and distinguish subtle differences in sensory attributes.
• Ability to follow structured procedures, timing, testing conditions, and confidentiality requirements.
• Basic computer literacy for using digital ballots, tablets, or other data-entry tools.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills for collaborative panel work.

Nice to have

• Interest in tasting different foods, flavors, and ingredients and testing fragrances, skin creams, soaps, and other personal care products.
• Interest in a long-term position rather than a short-term or summer role.

Culture & Benefits

• Part-time workload with varied session times, typically 10:00 AM–12:00 PM or 12:30–3:00 PM.
• Training is provided to expand the range of products that can be evaluated.
• Work takes place within a structured sensory research and quality-focused environment.
• Employee information is handled confidentially according to EEO guidelines.