Casual Position - Must be located within the Greater Melbourne Area.

Quality Associates has been engaged by a key industry body in the produce sector to conduct quality surveillance testing of fresh products sourced from retail stores.

This role involves assessing the quality of products such as apples and pears, including firmness (pressure) and sugar content (Brix), along with any other quality checks required by the industry body.

Key Responsibilities
Purchasing test products from multiple retail stores
Operating testing equipment, including a refractometer and penetrometer
Managing and analysing data in Excel, including the use of pivot tables
Presenting insights and findings from the data collected

We are seeking a current university student studying food science, food technology, or a related field who is eager to gain hands-on industry experience. The position is expected to start on the 20th of April 2026. Full training on the testing equipment will be provided, however a solid working knowledge of Excel is essential.

In addition to payment, the successful candidate will receive complimentary entry into Quality Associates' food industry public training courses, and will work closely with our Director,



Andreas Klieber, gaining exposure to a broad range of industry knowledge.

Who We're Looking For:

Minimum Requirements
Currently enrolled in a degree in food science, food technology, or equivalent
Highly proficient in Excel
Keen eye for detail
Able to perform repetitive tasks with a high level of consistency

Equipment Required
Own vehicle and valid driver's licence
A kitchen or other suitable location for testing
Access to adequate waste disposal for tested produce

Time Commitment

This role requires approximately one day per week, with the potential to increase to two days during periods of elevated testing activity as directed by the industry body. Hours and pay are casual and will reflect the level of testing required each week, which is determined by the quality of produce in the market. All products purchased for testing and travel to retail stores will be fully reimbursed.
The successful candidate has the flexibility to set their own hours throughout the week, provided the allotted testing time is met and all results are submitted by Thursday morning each week.

📌 Product Testing Specialist Produce Melbourne (Australia)
🏢 Quality Associates
📍 Australia