At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sensory research studies and develop a dedicated panel team in Southampton.
- Company: Join a dynamic company focused on high-quality sensory science.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting chance to shape training practices and deliver impactful research.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sensory science and lead a skilled team.
- Qualifications: Experience in project coordination and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Southampton, Hampshire
Salary: Competitive (DOE)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent
About the Role
Synergy is recruiting an experienced Sensory Panel Leader to oversee the day-to-day operation, development, and performance of our Trained Sensory Panels, based at a client site in Southampton. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a passion for sensory science to take ownership of high-quality research delivery while leading and developing a dedicated panel team.
As Sensory Panel Leader, you'll be responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering sensory research studies to the highest quality standards, ensuring the panel consistently produces accurate, reliable, and actionable insights. Working closely with the departmental management team, you'll provide leadership, coaching, and ongoing development to panellists, building capability, engagement, and performance across the team.
What You'll Be Doing
- Coordinating and executing sensory studies, ensuring activities are planned, compliant, and delivered on time
- Leading sensory panel sessions and guiding panellists in line with established methodologies and best practice
- Managing study preparation, including sample handling, scheduling, documentation, and readiness reviews
- Delivering panellist recruitment, onboarding, and training programmes
- Providing line management for the trained sensory panel, supporting engagement, attendance, development, wellbeing, and performance
- Monitoring panellist performance and data quality, coordinating refresher training where needed
- Maintaining accurate documentation, attendance records, and study trackers
- Driving continuous improvement across sensory capabilities, processes, and training programmes
- Collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders and the wider sensory network
- Upholding health, safety, quality, and compliance standards, including ISO 9001
What We're Looking For
Essential:
- Understanding of scientific testing principles and robust data generation
- Experience coordinating projects or operational activities with multiple stakeholders
- Strong organisational, time management, and project coordination skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across all levels
- Strong attention to detail and record-keeping discipline
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Experience with data collection or reporting systems
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Understanding of governance, compliance, and health & safety in a regulated environment
Desirable:
- Knowledge of sensory testing methodologies and panel training principles
- Laboratory experience (academic, placement, or professional)
- Experience with trained sensory panels or sensory research programmes
- Experience in panellist recruitment, onboarding, and training
- Familiarity with sensory software platforms (e.g. Compusense)
- Data processing, analysis, or programming experience
- Experience producing and presenting data-driven reports
- Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems
- Experience in regulated industries (tobacco, nicotine, FMCG, pharmaceutical, consumer products, etc.)
- Lean Six Sigma or continuous improvement qualifications
- Experience across multiple product categories and cross-functional teams
Why Join Us?
This is a permanent role offering the chance to lead a skilled sensory panel, shape training and development practices, and play a key role in delivering high-quality research that informs real business decisions.
Sensory Panel Lead in Marchwood employer: Carbon 60
Join a leading defence organisation that prioritises innovation and employee development in the Cyber Security field. With a hybrid work model, you will benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages continuous learning and growth, while working on cutting-edge technologies that protect national security. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects in a supportive environment, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a rewarding career in Cyber Security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sensory Panel Lead in Marchwood
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Carbon 60, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Carbon 60. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Sensory Panel Lead in Marchwood
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Carbon 60. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Carbon 60. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carbon 60
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Carbon 60. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Carbon 60 to drive research projects forward.
