Junior Sensory Technologist

About the Company & Role

An industry‑leading organisation in the food and beverage sector is seeking a motivated and detail‑oriented Junior Sensory Technologist to join their Quality & CSR team. This role supports the delivery of high‑quality products by assisting with sensory evaluations, data processing, and expert panel coordination under the guidance of the National Sensory Specialist.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone studying or recently graduated in Food Science, Sensory Science, or a related field who is eager to build hands‑on experience in a fast‑paced environment.

• Reporting To: National Sensory Specialist
• Employment Type: Part‑time (15–20 hours per week)
• Location: Rowville
• Requirements: Must be able to taste dairy products and work in a laboratory environment

Key Responsibilities

Your day‑to‑day duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Expert Panel Support
  • Assist in setting up and running expert sensory panels
  • Prepare, randomise, and serve samples according to laboratory procedures
  • Maintain sensory rooms, equipment, and general laboratory housekeeping
  • Ensure all panel worksheets, iPads, line scales, and definition sheets are updated and ready for use
• Weekly Planning & Coordination
  • Review weekly expert panel schedules and adjust plans as required
  • Order, receive, and ship supplies for sensory sessions
  • Design tasting surveys using RedJade software
  • Ensure lab serve reports and session information are clearly displayed
  • Maintain organised filing of all panel materials
• Panel Session Facilitation
  • Support recalibration exercises and warm‑up activities
  • Guide panel members to ensure consistent, repeatable sensory evaluation
  • Serve samples following robust sensory methodology
  • Assist with cleaning and resetting tasting areas
• Data Entry & Processing

• Retrieve sensory data from RedJade
• Enter and clean data using Excel
• Process results using XLSTAT or sensory analysis tools

 

Skills & Experience

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Currently studying or completed a qualification in Sensory Science, Food Science, Food Technology, or equivalent
• A basic understanding of sensory science principles
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to operate general laboratory equipment
• Competency in MS Excel, Word, and Outlook
• A disciplined approach to routine tasks and a strong work ethic
• Flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in a team
• No food allergies or dietary restrictions that would prevent tasting dairy products
• Ability to perform active laboratory tasks as required

Apply!
Click on the "Apply Now" button with a cover letter addressing the selection criteria above AND a detailed resume in WORD format (PDFs can be corrupted / not processed). 
For more information, please contact Chantelle on 03 9040 1630

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.