Sensory Panel Leader (Fixed Term - 6 months)

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. Key Responsibilities 🍽️ 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 practises 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 Skills, Knowledge and Expertise 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 A bit about us and our benefits! We’re MMR Research Worldwide – the global sensory and consumer research experts behind many of the world’s biggest brands in food, drink, personal and household care. From bold new flavours to breakthrough product experiences, we help turn great ideas into products people truly love. With teams across the UK, US, Asia and Africa, we blend science, creativity and curiosity to shape the future of everyday products. Join us and you’ll be part of a fast-growing, innovative company where your ideas matter and your career can thrive. It’s our people that make all of this possible. We are proud of our collaborative culture which is driven by strong leadership and offers industry-leading training and growth opportunities. At MMR, we're committed to ensuring the happiness and well-being of each employee, regardless of where they are in the world! We offer a wide range of core and additional benefits. Competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and market-leading training opportunities are standard here. Our vibrant culture, talented team, and focus on employee wellbeing is what makes MMR so special.