Laboratory Assistant

Job Overview:

Pay Range: $24.17hr - $29.17hr

Requirement/Must Have:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, Consumer Science, Biology, Psychology, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in sensory evaluation, consumer research, or product testing.
• Familiarity with managing sensory panels or consumer testing sessions.
• Highly organized with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple studies simultaneously.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and facilitation skills, with confidence moderating discussions and engaging diverse participants.
• High level of ownership and accountability, with attention to detail and commitment to quality execution.
• Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic development center environment.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to build strong cross-functional relationships.
• Curious mindset with a passion for understanding consumer behavior and product experience.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, coordinate, and execute sensory evaluation studies including descriptive, discrimination, and consumer tests.
• Prepare test materials, protocols, and evaluation environments within a development center setting.
• Ensure accurate data collection, documentation, and adherence to study protocols.
• Support product benchmarking, claims substantiation, and reformulation efforts.
• Recruit, schedule, and manage consumer and trained sensory panels.
• Maintain panel engagement and ensure data quality through proper training and oversight.
• Troubleshoot panel logistics and ensure smooth execution of evaluation sessions.
• Moderate consumer sessions, including product evaluations, focus groups, and co-creation workshops.
• Lead innovative discussion sessions to gather actionable qualitative insights.
• Create a comfortable environment that encourages honest and insightful participant feedback.
• Compile, analyze, and summarize sensory and consumer data.
• Translate findings into clear, actionable insights for cross-functional teams including R&D, marketing, and quality.
• Support development of reports, presentations, and recommendations for stakeholders.
• Partner closely with R&D, product development, and marketing teams.
• Contribute to innovation pipelines by integrating consumer-driven insights.
• Ensure alignment with project timelines and business objectives.

Nice to Have:

• Experience in consumer health, personal care, or OTC products.
• Familiarity with sensory methodologies such as hedonic testing, descriptive analysis, and triangle tests.
• Experience working in a lab or development center environment.
• Facilitation and moderation skills.
• Working knowledge of data analysis tools such as Excel and basic statistical software.

Skills:

• Sensory evaluation & test design.
• Panel management and recruitment.
• Consumer research moderation.
• Data interpretation and storytelling.
• Cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong presentation and storytelling skills.

Qualification And Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, Consumer Science, Biology, Psychology, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in sensory evaluation, consumer research, or product testing.