Sensory Panel Leader

Sensory Panel Leader (Fixed Term - 6 months)

Department: Sensory

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Lausanne

Reporting To: Nicolas Godinot

Are you looking for a great first step into sensory science within the world's leading Sensory Partner? If so, this could be the role for you!

We’re searching for a Sensory Panel Leader to join the team in Lausanne, Switzerland
, on a 6-month fixed-term contract (CDD) to cover a maternity leave, starting in September 2026
.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with first experience in sensory science who wants to grow within a dynamic, international environment and be trained on cutting‑edge sensory methodologies.

The Sensory Panel Leader will report to the Sensory Manager, with prime responsibility for running sessions with the expert sensory panel, including panel session planning and leadership, sensory moderation, panel performance analysis and monitoring, to fulfil the clients' needs and KPIs.

Please note, this panel works with tobacco products.

• Manage the sensory panel and lead panel sessions on clients' projects, ensuring smooth delivery and high quality descriptive analysis data
• Contribute to sensory projects on request of the client's sensory team, ensuring the best sensory methodologies and practices are applied
• Supervise the Sensory Panel Assistant and ensure they are fully proficient with the preparation of the sensory panel sessions and product management
• Prepare panel sessions on the provided sensory software as needed
• Recruit and train new panellists
• Collect and analyse panel monitoring data and provide relevant feedback and one‑to‑one reviews with sensory panellists - maximising data quality, panel engagement and motivation
• Assist with product preparation and serving
• Ensure that clients are kept up to date with project progress, and receive and understand draft lexicons and topline results whenever appropriate
• Analyse sensory data, providing considered reporting, interpretation and recommendations, with support from senior sensory colleagues
• Promote a positive and pleasant working environment for all at MMR, at all times

• 1+ year of experience working as a Sensory Panel Leader, or experience in sensory science (panel leading, sensory analysis, internship or junior role)
• Degree in Food Science / Sensory Science or equivalent professional experience
• Knowledge of Sensory / Statistical Analysis - QDA, Similarity / Thurstonian testing, Post hoc, PCA, MFA
• Fluent written and spoken English and French
• Experience with sensory software and data analysis (Eye Question, R, XL Stat…)
• Exposure to an FMCG environment is a plus
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to multi‑task and work effectively in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Ability to work well within a team and independently