Consumer Testing Associate

About the role

SAM is a fast-growing, global sensory and consumer research consultancy. Our mission is to give consumers a voice in the development of outstanding food, beverage, pet, and health & beauty products, creating high-quality and memorable experiences. The National Food Lab division of SAM provides these services for all USA-based clients from our sensory science headquarters in Minneapolis, MN.

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.

Responsibilities

• Deliver testing products and ensure proper consumer test instructions are followed.
• Prepare testing products using client-designated protocols.
• Observe and direct test participants through the consumer test.
• Check-in consumer test participants and ensure proper documents are completed.
• Set up and break down the testing area.
• Maintain testing environments for consistency, cleanliness, and compliance with research protocols.
• Maintain organization, quality, and consistency during test execution.
• Support database growth events as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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 the public and clients.
• Strong team player with a positive, upbeat attitude.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Flexibility in scheduling, including long and varied hours.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer skills, including Internet, Microsoft Office, and Outlook.
• 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 focus on managing details.
• Outstanding listening and communication skills—both written and oral.
• Ability to stand for up to 12 hours (with breaks).

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of computers and software programs.
• Experience working in a kitchen environment or in market research is a plus but not necessary.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, or hear. Occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds (50 lbs. with assistance). Ability to stand for long periods of time is required. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The lab regularly processes known food allergens including egg, soy, wheat, milk, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, sulfites, gluten, chocolate, fruit, natural or artificial sweeteners (like aspartame or phenylalanine), and natural or artificial colors. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Pay

$17.00 per hour.

Schedule

Part-Time (On-Call).