High Liner Foods · 23 hours ago
R&D Sensory Co-op Student (Summer 2026)
Portsmouth, NH
Full-time
Onsite
New GradHigh Liner Foods is seeking a dynamic and motivated Co-op Student to join their Research & Development team for the Summer term, focusing on building sensory capabilities. The role involves developing sensory processes, executing sensory testing, and collaborating across teams to ensure product quality and consumer expectations are met.
Consumer Goods
Responsibilities
Support the establishment of basic sensory governance, including when sensory evaluation is required and how results are documented and shared
Assist in creating clear sensory language, definitions, and reference standards to support consistent evaluation across teams
Support the development and implementation of foundational sensory processes, tools, and standards across QA, R&D, and Innovation
Establish sensory testing protocols (difference testing, descriptive evaluations, triangle testing)
Help document sensory methods, best practices, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Support panel best practices, including sample blinding, coding, handling procedures, and panelist guidelines
Support the planning, preparation, and execution of sensory evaluations (sample prep, test set-up, data collection)
Assist with internal sensory panels, including panel logistics, scorecard use, and sample tracking
Support shelf-life and quality assessments from a sensory perspective
Help organize and maintain sensory records, templates, and data repositories to ensure learnings are captured and reusable
Compile, analyze, and summarize sensory data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities
Prepare clear summaries and presentations translating sensory findings into actionable insights for R&D, QA, and cross-functional partners
Support development of sensory scorecards, benchmarks, and comparison tools
Work closely with R&D, QA, Innovation, and Operations to align on sensory expectations and product quality targets
Support QA and R&D teams in linking sensory results to product performance, specifications, and quality outcomes
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to product quality, consistency, and consumer experience
Assist in developing basic sensory training materials for internal teams
Support panel calibration activities and education on sensory fundamentals
Help reinforce sensory as a shared language across functions
Qualification
Required
Enrolled in or recently graduated from a Food Science, Sensory Science, Nutrition, or related degree program
Coursework or exposure to sensory science is strongly preferred
Strong interest in food quality, product performance, and consumer experience
Comfortable working with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint); experience with data analysis is a plus
Ability to organize, analyze, and interpret data with attention to detail
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and present information clearly
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
Highly collaborative and creative team player with proven relationship-building and influencing skills
Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities
Attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving
Ability to think critically, analyze data, and provide practical solutions
Highly adaptable, able to switch tasks yet still maintain a drive towards completion
Innovative mindset that enjoys change and driving improvements
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Preferred
Previous internship or project experience in sensory, product development, QA, or food science is a plus
Familiarity with sensory methodologies or quality evaluation frameworks is an asset
Company
High Liner Foods
High Liner Foods is a leading North American processor and marketer of value-added frozen seafood.
Founded in 1899
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
High Liner Foods has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2023 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Neva Campbell
Manager, HR Business Partner
Recent News
Canadian News Wire
2024-03-06
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2024-03-01
2023-12-20
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