Panel Leader R&D Sensory Cocoa

Location: Hershey, PA

Summary: 

Sensory Panel Leader/Research Assistant will work under the supervision of a Manager to support panel requirements, create/manage daily professional panel test schedule, lead the descriptive panel through the daily schedule, drive panel consensus, elevate panel and/or attribute issues, analyze and report commodity results, manage and report consensus profiling projects, support lexicon development and reference verification, and manage out-of shelf life temporary extension requests. This role will work with Sensory Project Leaders on support  for manufacturing troubleshooting. The individual will follow appropriate preparation procedures and apply knowledge of GMPs and Food Safety requirements. 

The individual will interact extensively with the Research Scientists responsible for oversight of these programs, and the Descriptive Analysis technician within Sensory and Consumer Insights.

Major Responsibilities:

• Lead panel through daily schedule, drive panel consensus on product descriptions, elevate panel and/or attribute issues to supervisor. Support panel scheduling.​

• Manage and report consensus profiling projects​

• Support commodity approval process via sample login, control selection, data analysis and reporting (e-mail, WORD documents and LIMS). ​

• Professional Panel Lexicon development and reference verification.​

• Manage out-of Shelf Life temporary extension requests.

Qualifications: 

• Proven ability to lead group discussions and to reach consensus (i.e. experienced facilitator)
• Excellent tasting skills (ability to discern differences in samples for appearance, taste, texture)
• Computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Bonus: Hershey computer systems (LIMS), EyeQuestion, and HSY webapps
• Ability to interact effectively with large and diverse group of people
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize with limited supervision
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Knowledge of SCI methodology; proficient at report writing

Education and Experience Requirements:

• High School diploma or GED. Associates or Bachelor's degree in Science preferred​

• Minimum 5-7 years of applicable work experience with Sensory testing as a trained sensory panelist

• Bonus: Food safety and handling training\Serve Safe

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