Casual positions (limited hours)
Role summary for potential applicants
Advertised Job Title: / Trained Sensory Panellists (6-8 positions)Reference Number: / 15001
Classification: / Casual positions
Hourly pay rate: / AU $24.14 per hour plus loading and superannuation (limited hours, see below)
Location: / North Ryde (Sydney) New South Wales
Tenure: / Casual appointments – 0-2 hours per day on an ‘as needs’ basis (i.e. panellists will not be required every day or every week)
Relocation assistance: / Not provided for casual positions
Applications are open to: / Australian Citizens Only
Australian/NZ Citizens and Australian Residents Only
All Candidates
Role Overview:
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is Australia's national scientific research agency. Researchers at CSIRO Food and Nutrition (CFN) are working to improve food supply in Australia and around the world.
We are currently recruiting approximately 6-8 casual positions within CFN. As a Trained Sensory Panellist, you will contribute to the development of the food industry and food research in Australia. You will be part of a team that tastes, describes and evaluates the appearance, aroma, flavour and texture of different types of foods, beverages or prototypes. Successful candidates will be trained in evaluating products as part of a panel, following strict scientific protocols.
Panellists will be required for a maximum of two hours per day and will work on a project basis, with projects typically having a duration of 1-2 weeks. Work is on an ad-hoc basis, therefore we do not guarantee work every day or every week.
All tasting will be undertaken at the CSIRO laboratories, 11 Julius Avenue, North Ryde, NSW. As such, candidates should be within commuting distance of this site and willing to be available at relatively short notice (i.e. 1-2 days in advance).
Duties and Key Result Areas:
· Following scientific protocols, participate as an individual and/or as part of a team by describing and evaluating the appearance, aroma, flavour and texture of different types of foods, beverages or prototypes.
· Communicate effectively and respectfully with CSIRO staff and fellow panel members.
· Always arrive punctually for testing sessions.
· Provide advance notice (as early as possible) of expected periods of unavailability.
· Adhere to the spirit and practice of CSIRO’s Values, Health, Safety and Environment plans and policies, Diversity initiatives and Zero Harm goals.
Selection Criteria:
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed
Essential Criteria:
Candidates must:
1. Be available from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm on most week days, and willing to be called in at short notice.
2. Have a passion for food and an appreciation of scientific advancement through research.
3. Be willing to taste a wide range of foods and beverages within a laboratory setting.
4. Have no known food allergies, food intolerances or chronic metabolic diseases.
5. Be familiar with basic computer functions.
6. Have good English communication and interpersonal skills in order to record and describe sensory perceptions to others and work collaboratively to obtain consensus as a panel.
7. Have good sensory abilities.
Note: Eligible candidates who fulfil all other essential criteria will be invited to participate in a series of tests at our laboratories where criteria 6 and 7 will be tested.
Desirable Criteria:
1. We encourage applications from individuals who are between 25 and 45 years old.
Note that this the average age range where sensory acuity is the strongest and most consistent. As such, we encourage applicants within this range for optimum scientific outcomes.
Other Information:
How to Apply
Please apply for this position online at https://jobs.csiro.au/ and “Search by Keyword” for 15001. As part of your application, you must upload a brief covering letter of no more than one page (under Resume/Cover Letter), which outlines your motivations for applying. Note that you are NOT REQUIRED to upload your resume.
Applications close Wednesday 30 March, 2016 (11:59pm AEDT)
Eligible applicants will be emailed a link to a survey which must be completed by COB (AEDT) on Friday 1 April, 2016. Further details of the assessment process (which includes in-person testing and interviews) are outlined in the survey.
If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 984 220 and someone will be able to assist you. Outside business hours please email: .
Contact: If after reading the selection documentation you require further information please contact:
Mrs Maeva Broch via email: or phone: 02 9490 8359
Please do not email your application directly to Mrs Broch. Applications received via this method will not be considered.
At CSIRO we invent the future.
We do this by using science and technology to solve real issues. Our solutions make a difference to industry, people and the planet. As Australia’s national science agency we’ve been pushing the edge of what’s possible for almost 90 years. Today we have thousands of talented people working across Australia and internationally. Our people work closely with industry and communities to leave a lasting legacy. Collectively, our innovation and excellence places us in the top ten applied research agencies in the world.
We Collaborate to Innovate.
CSIRO Food and Nutrition makes a positive and transformational impact to Australia through innovation in the food, health and bioproducts industries. We deliver innovation to Australia's food, health and wellness industries, resulting in significant health and economic benefits for Australians. From improving farming techniques to boosting the nutritional content, we're working up and down the food chain to help develop the freshest, healthiest, tastiest cuisine for Australians, and the world. Our expertise in food science helps the Australian food industry compete in domestic and global markets and make food products for Australian consumers that are safe, sustainable and taste great.
Find out more:
www.csiro.au/en/Research/FNF
www.csiro.au