Company Description

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 ideasRe-energize a well-established productAssess product-concept fit or packaging effectivenessUnderstand the product, brand and category competitive landscapesProtect 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.

Job Description

In addition to our client assessments and innovation efforts, another important aspect of our work includes Sensory Panels. Through engaging training, we teach our taste testers to evaluate products beyond just "likes" and "dislikes." Our Trained Panelists describe flavors, textures, and differences across a wide range of products. We provide valuable insights to major food manufacturers working to improve or develop new products. Beyond being a technical skill, panelists often share that it's a fun, engaging, and social way to grow their background.

Upon selection, you'll join our Training Sensory Program, where you'll gain the tools to evaluate the wide variety of products we test. Our SAM The National Food Lab Panel Leaders will guide your learning—helping you describe flavors, textures, intensities, and other product characteristics.

Scheduling: Trainings take place three mornings a week from 10:00 am–12:30 pm over 3 months. Sessions are in-depth and designed to build your skills. We ask for a long-term commitment after training with your fellow “cohorts.” Pay is $15.00/hour during training and increases to $16.00/hour upon completion.

After training, Panelists join live testing panels. Panels last around two hours and are scheduled on weekdays between 10:00 am–3:00 pm. Hours vary—some weeks may have no sessions, while others may require up to 20 hours. This is ideal for those looking for on-call, part-time work. We do ask that Panelists are available for at least a 2-hour window daily within that time frame.

Qualifications

We look for Panelists who bring the following qualifying skills and attributes:

Consistently available on weekdays, from 10:00 am-3:00 pm; along with a part-time varying scheduleInterpersonal communication skills that allow collaborating in sharing ideas during group discussions/group settingsMaintaining a kind, collaborative, and professional demeanor; including appearance, hygiene, timeliness, and dedication to our SAM Core ValuesBasic computer and math skills and ability to navigate the computer easily (particularly Internet, Microsoft Office and Outlook programs and systems)No food allergies and a non-smoker as smoking interferes with a person’s sense of taste and/or smell.Willingness to taste a wide variety of food and beverages, including alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, meat, dairy, wheat, gluten, and sweets/sweeteners.

Education and Experience: Minimum of high school diploma or a GED equivalent certificate from a certified institution; one to two years of related work or volunteer experience and/or training. Safe Serve certified a plus.

Required Licenses or Certificates: Valid Driver’s License and Proof of Insurance.

Additional Information

Work Enviroment & 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.The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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