Product Safety Chemist (Part-Time)

Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to a fair and just marketplace for all. CR's product and service testing center, located in Yonkers, NY is the largest nonprofit educational and consumer product testing center in the world. As a Chemist/Toxicologist Senior Project Leader on our Product Safety team, you will report to the Product Safety Manager and focus on the analysis and interpretation of chemical contaminant data across consumer product categories to identify hazards and assess human health risks. The ideal candidate will translate complex scientific findings into clear, defensible guidance to ensure consumer safety. This is a part time position, limited duration (20-hours per week) position with the expectation be on-site at our Yonkers facility, one day per week. The position will end May 31, 2027 with the possibility of extension and is not eligible for sponsorships or relocation assistance.

Responsibilities

Analysis and interpretation of chemical contaminant data across consumer product categories to identify hazards and assess human health risks; Translate complex scientific findings into clear, defensible guidance to ensure consumer safety; Risk Assessment: Conduct rigorous evaluations of consumer products, including personal care products and household products, to identify chemical hazards and assess human health risks beyond baseline regulatory requirements; Laboratory Liaison: Collaborate with external lab partners to establish testing protocols and detection limits for key contaminants such as heavy metals, PFAS, phthalates, VOCs, and bisphenols; Technical Consultation: Provide expert guidance to internal stakeholders regarding chemical and allergen risks associated with both emerging and established product categories; Data Interpretation: Synthesize and interpret laboratory findings to evaluate product compliance with safety benchmarks and identify potential consumer health hazards

Requirements

B.S. or higher in Chemistry, Toxicology, Chemical Engineering, or related field; 5+ years in analytical chemistry, toxicology, risk assessment, or consumer product safety; Familiarity with ICP-MS, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS; Working knowledge of PFAS, heavy metals, phthalates, and VOC toxicology; Regulatory knowledge including FDA, EPA, CPSC, EU REACH, and Health Canada; Strong communicator with the ability to translate complex findings for non-technical editorial

Nice to have

MS or PhD preferred; background in consumer product safety, nonprofit testing, or risk assessment frameworks (HQ, HI, MoS)

Benefits

Medical benefits that start on your first day as a CR employee; behavioral health coverage; family planning; generous 401K match