Deodorant/Odour Assessor

We are currently seeking an interim Deodorant/Odour Assessor to work with our global FMCG client, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, and become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.

The position is based at our client's scientific Research & Development facility in Port Sunlight Village, Wirral easily accessible by train and car. This is a temporary role for 6 months with a possibility to extend working 26 hours per week, Monday to Friday. *Flexibility is required* Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £23,524 per annum, pro rata FTE (£12.06 per hour) depending upon experience.

Please note: This role is open to Females only as this involves washing, taking samples from and applying products to, the underarms of female & male panellists who will be partially clothed. Non-smokers only - Sniffing take place in a controlled environment. Contamination from other odours needs to be avoided.

MAIN JOB PURPOSE:

To perform expert sensory assessment of odour and fragrance on various substrates including the underarms of female and male panellists and fabric swatches, in line with the requirements of the Global Deo Programme. The role involves working as part of a team to deliver olfaction studies to the Deodorants Category. This job would suit someone with a great sense of smell who enjoys working in a small team, dealing directly with members of the public for half the working day and preparing test material for the remaining time. Applicants need to be comfortable sniffing body odour directly from males and females who have removed clothing to expose their armpit for assessment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Smelling panellists' underarms (females and males), and/or fabric swatches that have been worn by panellists in their underarms and rating the level of odour and/or fragrance at key points during the day.
• Working as part of a team to deliver insights from Deo tests 'on time in full', including deputising for the panel leader.
• Conducting studies involving internal and external panellists or consumers who are members of the public.
• Compliance with study protocols and standard operating procedures
• Collection and input of data
• Logistical management of panels and substrates (e.g. T-shirts, samples, supplies)
• Substrate preparation including fabric/T-shirt preparation, laundering, packing of test materials.
• Liaising with the public, project and Consumer Science team members, UL Safety Quality & Environment Dept.
• Handling safety documentation and adhering to safety procedures.
• Handling sensitive information such as information / consent documentation and adverse event details

KEY SKILLS:

• Olfactive Acuity: Skill in using senses to evaluate substrates (inc. training and monitoring to keep skills up to required standard). Whilst training will be given, the job holder must pass initial olfactive screening tests to demonstrate they have a good discriminating sense of smell.
• Qualifications: Experience in sensory science or scientific/technical lab work/formulation science and education at GCSE level would be an advantage but is not a requirement for the role.
• Communication: The job holder needs to share information with the working team and project team, colleagues in Consumer Science and their line manager. Share information with consumers and the public, which will include briefing panellists and consumers taking part in studies. Be required to transfer data and results of studies to Scientists. Communication will be shared both verbally and in written form. The information will be shared informally and formally with teams.
• Organisation: The job holder will be required to work with the team to plan logistics and prepare for the studies required, therefore good organisational skills are essential. Excellent attention to detail is required to ensure studies are set up correctly so that the required elements are in place and the data collected is accurate.
• Computer Literacy: The role involves studies that will produce either qualitative or quantitative data. Accurate data entry and use of electronic data collection programs is required. Be responsible for generating and maintaining databases. Involves collecting, collating and storing panellist information that may be confidential or sensitive. The job holder will be responsible for the safekeeping of data including panellist confidential data.
• Time management: The job holder will be responsible for conducting work to tight deadlines and interacting with consumers and members of the public on a defined timetable.
• Other aspects of the role: The role is split between lab (Consumer Centre and Laundry laboratory) and office work (occasional working from home may be possible for short periods). Sensory work will require the job holder to use their senses (smell) for extended periods of time. Preparation work will require lifting or carrying products and equipment. Overseas travel may be necessary but unlikely.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Team working
• Awareness and compliance with data protection, privacy and other relevant policies
• Professionalism especially when dealing with members of the public (panellists and consumers)
• Attention to detail in capturing odour data, preparing studies and in all aspects of carrying out Deo MMS tests.