Sensory Consumer Research Intern

At Bayer we’re visionaries, driven to solve the world’s toughest challenges and striving for a world where ,Health for all, Hunger for none’ is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. We’re doing it with energy, curiosity and sheer dedication, always learning from unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities and redefining ‘impossible’. There are so many reasons to join us. If you’re hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there’s only one choice.

Within Bayer, we're changing the way we work— for higher productivity, faster innovation, and better results. We call it Dynamic Shared Ownership (DSO).

Sensory Consumer Research Intern

The Vegetable Quality lab in Bergschenhoek is responsible for analytical and sensory support of Market Development (MD), handles specific requests for Trade Partnership and Sales, and organizes sensory studies on a regular basis.

A sensory lab is a controlled facility where trained researchers and consumers test and rate how products look, smell, taste, feel and sound so researchers can collect reliable results. We’re recruiting a hands-on Sensory Lab Intern to support daily lab operations, from project planning to test execution, data analysis, and report writing. This internship contributes to consumer hedonic sensory research across multiple crops (e.g., tomatoes, strawberries, cabbage). So, projects will be based around answering the questions: “How well are products liked and why?” or “Which products are preferred and why?”.

Furthermore, part of this internship will focus on how to increase the number of participants of our internal sensory tests. Lastly, the internship will give insight into instrumental evaluation of fruit quality (for example: size, weight, color, firmness, and sugar and acid content).

YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Pickup of samples from external greenhouses & open fields.
• Prepare and code samples according to protocol.
• Cutting and preparing fruits/vegetables following safety and sanitation procedures.
• Set up and monitor sensory booths and equipment during tasting sessions.
• Get insight in instrumental evaluation of fruit quality (size, weight, color, firmness, sugar and acid content).
• Analyze sensory and analytical data and provide stakeholder reports.
• Research/tests different ways of panelist recruitment.

WHO YOU ARE

We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative candidate with:

• An academic background in Nutrition & Health, Food Technology, Food Innovation, or a related field at WO (university) or Bachelor level.
• Demonstrable knowledge of sensory science.
• Strong communication and computer skills, including demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint); experience with EyeQuestion and RStudio is desirable.
• The international character of our organization requires good knowledge (verbal & written) of both English and Dutch.
• The job implies frequent lifting of boxes & instruments (5-15 kg range).
• Class B driving license & driving experience. Given the time-consuming options for public transport in the region, possession of a personal vehicle is a pre.

WHAT BAYER OFFERS YOU

As a modern employer, we take care of our employees and help them find a balance between career development opportunities and personal life planning. We offer our employees a wide range of career prospects, a modern working environment and competitive compensation. Bayer employees benefit from great employment conditions, such as:

• An internship allowance of €400 per month for MBO students, €500 per month for Bachelor students and €600 per month for Master students, based on a full-time work week (38 hours per week).
• The opportunity to gain practical experience within a market-leading, international organization.
• Due to a broad scope of activities, you will get to deal with many different people and processes within Bayer Crop Science/Bayer Medical Care/ Bayer Consumer Health/ Bayer Pharmaceuticals.
• Gaining experience in a team of enthusiastic, professional and driven colleagues.

The preferred starting time is April, for 4-5 days per week with an internship duration of 4-5 months. However, duration, start date, and time commitment of the internship can be discussed.

Klazien.flapper.ext@bayer.com