Quality Control Sensory Technician - Erlanger, KY

Quality Control Sensory Technician - Erlanger, KY

Job Summary: 
The QC Sensory Technician is responsible for conducting routine quality control testing of raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products while maintaining data integrity and laboratory excellence. In addition to standard laboratory responsibilities, this role serves as a key contributor to the site's sensory program by performing sensory evaluations, coordinating sensory activities, maintaining sensory data, and supporting sensory-related investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.

Primary Job Functions: 

• Conduct routine QC testing which includes analysis of raw materials, intermediate batches, and finished products.
• Maintain appropriate data integrity while conducting testing.
• Participate in investigations for any out of specification results and report findings to local QC manager or Senior QC members.
• Follow best practices, established by the company and regulating bodies, for transcription of data.
• Uphold a clean area of work and a well-organized space for samples.
• Participate in necessary training sessions to ensure consistency of testing.
• Fulfill common laboratory cleaning practices to ensure the laboratory environment does not negatively impact testing.
• Identify issues with methodology and support investigations into testing accuracy.
• Communicate failures as necessary to ensure supply chain is aware of any possible delays.
• Perform sensory assessments in line with ADM practices.
• Transcribe data from vendor documents and organize said documents according to local policy.
• Assist Quality Assurance technicians with investigations if additional data or information is necessary for research on out of specification batches.
• Represent the quality labs in a professional manner to external and internal parties.
• Bring new ideas and improvements to quality protocols and procedures.
• Follow Basic GMP and GLP safety standards.
• Maintain proper storage and organization of retains for future assessment.

Sensory Responsibilities

• Perform sensory evaluations of raw materials, work-in-process materials, and finished products in accordance with ADM sensory standards and procedures.
• Serve as a primary resource for sensory testing activities on their shift at the facility.
• Coordinate and schedule sensory evaluations to support production, quality, customer requirements, and product development needs.
• Maintain sensory reference standards, sensory supplies, and sensory documentation.
• Collect, analyze, trend, and communicate sensory data to relevant stakeholders.
• Support investigations involving customer complaints, product deviations, and sensory-related quality concerns.
• Participate in the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of sensory evaluation procedures and methodologies.
• Support sensory panel management activities, including panelist recruitment, calibration, training, and performance monitoring.
• Collaborate with Quality, Operations, R&D, and Commercial teams to ensure alignment on sensory expectations and product quality standards.
• Provide guidance and training to laboratory personnel on sensory best practices and evaluation techniques.

Requirements:

• Minimum Associate’s degree in food science, biology, or related laboratory-based field.
• Preferred experience with organoleptic testing.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality requirements.
• Willingness to innovate and adapt best practices.
• Ability to encourage trust between Operations, Development, Supply Chain and Quality departments.

Working Conditions:

• Employees in this position working at this location are [or may be] exposed to various potential chemicals and food allergens due to the nature of our business and the requirements of the job. 
• If there is any reason such exposure would interfere with your ability to perform this role or work at the location, please notify the hiring manager.
• This position will require movement, working while standing, and extended computer use.

Excited about this role but don’t think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. 

REF:112501BR