Consumer Testing Associate

SAM is a fast-growing and global sensory and consumer research consultancy. Our mission is to allow consumers a voice in the development of outstanding food, beverage, pet, and health & beauty products so as to create high quality and memorable experiences. We help our clients:

• Develop new product ideas
• Re-energize a well-established product
• Assess product-concept fit or packaging effectiveness
• Understand the product, brand and category competitive landscapes
• Protect product quality from inception to the end of shelf life

SAM The National Food Lab is the division of SAM that provides these services for all USA-based clients. Our sensory science program resides in our USA headquarters in Minneapolis, MN.

Pay Range: $17.00/Hr.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and enthusiastic kitchen & serving associate to support our consumer taste testing operations. This role involves preparing, organizing, and presenting food and beverage samples to research participants for product evaluation sessions. The ideal candidate will ensure a positive, clean, safe, and efficient environment while assisting with data collection and maintaining high standards of food handling.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
•    Server – Delivering testing product and ensuring proper consumer test instructions are being followed.
•    Kitchen – Preparing testing product using the protocols designated by the client.
•    Moderator – Observing and directing test participants through the consumer test.
•    Host – Check-in consumer test participants and ensure proper documents are completed.
•    Set-up and break down of testing area.
•    Maintain testing environments to ensure consistency, cleanliness, and compliance with research protocols.
•    Maintains organization, quality and consistency during test execution.
•    Supports database growth events as needed.
•    Performs other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate would possess:
•    Attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
•    Critical thinking and ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently.
•    Desire to learn and work with others.
•    Interpersonal skills to interact with both the public and Eurofins National Food Labs’ clients.
•    A strong team player – someone who is willing to go the extra mile to ensure the success of the team while maintaining a positive, upbeat attitude.
•    Pride in self by maintaining a professional appearance and demeanor.
•    Flexibility in regard to scheduling including long hours and variety of hours week in and week out. 
•    Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.
•    Basic computer skills and ability to navigate the computer easily (particularly Internet, Microsoft Office and Outlook programs and systems).

• Basic knowledge of computers and software programs
• Must be able to work on your feet for up to 12 hours (with lunch & breaks in between)
• Authorization to work in the United States indefinitely without restriction or sponsorship 
• Valid Driver’s License and Proof of Insurance
• Excellent organizational skills with a particular focus upon managing details.
• Outstanding listening and communication skills—both written and oral.
• Basic knowledge of computers and software programs.
• Experience working in a kitchen environment or in market research is a plus but not necessary.
• Authorization to work in the United States indefinitely without restriction or sponsorship.

Pay Range: $17.00/Hr.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:                

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds (50 lbs. with assistance).
• The employee must have the ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Lab regularly processes known food allergens including egg, soy, wheat, milk, fish,  and shellfish, treenuts, peanuts, sulfites, gluten, chocolate, fruit, natural or artificial sweeteners (like aspartame or Phenylalanine), natural or artificial colors.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

What we offer:

• Excellent full time benefits including comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays

Eurofins USA Food Testing is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.