Panel Leader R&D Sensory Cocoa

Job Location: Hershey, PAROLE OVERVIEW:This hands-on position leads daily panel sessions, drives consensus on product attributes, supports quality assessments and lexicon development, and supports technician team.AccountabilitiesLead daily panel operations including supporting panel scheduling and facilitating discussionsSupport to technician team with inventory, ordering, sample preparation, and reference managementManage, lead, and report consensus profiling project workCoordinate Cocoa commodity approval through sample prep, control selection, and data analysisSupport creation, organization, and management of technical product descriptionsWork closely with sensory scientists and technicians to ensure accurate, consistent, and high-quality sensory dataQualificationsStrong sensory acuity across appearance, taste, and texture modalities as a trained sensory panelistSkilled facilitator with a proven ability to lead group discussions and drive consensus with diverse perspectivesProficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook; preferred experience in LIMS and EyeQuestionSkilled in Spectrum Descriptive Analysis and technical report writingHighly organized with excellent communication skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities independentlyExperience & EducationHigh School diploma or GED required (Associate’s degree in Science preferred)Trained sensory panelistApplicable work experience, expertise, and/or certification in food safety/handling preferred