Food Safety Lab Technician (One-Year Position)

WHO WE ARE

Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to a fair and just marketplace for consumers. Our team is made up of truth tellers, change agents, and consumer advocates who investigate and build coalitions to fight for fairness and justice in the marketplace for consumers. We leverage our evidence-based approach to demand safer products, a healthier environment, and equitable services for everyone. 

Our mission starts with you. We offer medical benefits that start on your first day as a CR employee that include behavioral health coverage, family planning and a generous 401K match. Learn more about how CR advocates on behalf of our employees.

OVERVIEW

We test  thousands of products at Consumer Reports. With over 130 testing and research experts and 63 state of the art labs, our Westchester headquarters is the largest nonprofit educational and consumer product testing center in the world.

Reporting to the Manager, Test Technicians and working in our lab environment, the Food Safety Lab Technician is responsible for preparing samples for testing, as well as recording and analyzing data related to food safety and food nutrition. If you have a keen eye for detail and a passion for scientific investigation, read on.

This is a 1-year Limited Duration position that  requires you to work onsite at our facility in Yonkers, New York.  This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

How You'll Make An Impact

Our test results and recommendations help consumers make critical and informed buying decisions, sometimes influencing companies to improve their products to meet our high standards. As a Technician, you’ll contribute by testing products according to documented processes, ensuring data accuracy, repeatability, and reliability.

Your expertise will support the development of new testing methodologies and help maintain the quality and efficiency of our testing operations.Under limited supervision, you will also assist in training colleagues and maintaining lab equipment. On a daily basis, you will:

• Conduct a variety of product testing, following established protocols and documenting results
• Prep and prepare food products for sensory testing
• Ensure test data meets standards for accuracy, repeatability, reproducibility, and dependability
• Analyze test data, recognize anomalies, and report findings for review
• Assist with developing test methodologies and designing testing equipment under supervision
• Build test equipment and develop methods as required
• Conduct research tests as needed
• Develop expertise in a single product or service category
• Participate as a member of a product testing team.
• Maintain, calibrate, and repair testing devices and equipment.
• Receive test samples, document pedigree, and maintain necessary records.
• Perform other duties within the department, as needed.

ABOUT YOU

You’ll Be Highly Rated If:

• You have the experience. You have lab and testing experience (1-3 years) in a laboratory or test environment.
• You have a strong technical aptitude and can analyze, interpret, and communicate test results.
• You can switch gears. You can adapt to the testing of different products and categories.
• You are deadline-driven and can manage multiple tasks within rigid timeframes.
• You are computer proficient with Excel, G-Suite, and data acquisition software.

You'll Be One of Our Top Picks If:

• You have the education background, ideally with a STEM degree in Biology, Chemistry or a background in food sensory testing. 
• You are a clear and concise communicator, both verbally and in writing.

#LI-LG1. #LI-Onsite

FAIR PAY AND A JUST WORKPLACE

At Consumer Reports, we are committed to fair, transparent pay and we strive to provide competitive, market-informed compensation.The target salary range for this position is $70,970.54 - $75K.  It is anticipated that most qualified candidates will fall near the middle of this range.Compensation for the successful candidate will be informed by the candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience.

Consumer Reports is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions or lactation), gender identity and expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service or veteran status, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, disability, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.  Consumer Reports will provide you with any reasonable assistance or accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.