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Assistant Research Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Yum! Brands

Research & Development Chef

Plano, TX

Designs, plans, and manages R&D projects of varying complexity resulting in new or improved ... Chef's Council, Food Immersions, Supplier Summits, PR/Media launch events, Ops/ Market Tests. Plan ...

Vespertine

Research and Development Chef

Culver City, CA

$80K - $100K/yr

SUMMARY OF POSITION The R&D Chef is a collaborative culinary leadership role working closely with Chef/Owner Jordan Kahn and the Director of Culinary to develop, refine, and bring ideas to fruition ...

Amy's Kitchen, LLC

R&D Chef's Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

The Chef's Assistant will assist the R&D Chef and R&D Staff in the prepping and executing (cooking) of various tests and tastings, and will assist with all other food preparation in the R&D Kitchen ...

Amy's Kitchen, Inc.

R&D Chef's Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

The Chef's Assistant will assist the R&D Chef and R&D Staff in the prepping and executing (cooking) of various tests and tastings, and will assist with all other food preparation in the R&D Kitchen ...

Amy's

R&D Chef's Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

The Chef's Assistant will assist the R&D Chef and R&D Staff in the prepping and executing (cooking) of various tests and tastings, and will assist with all other food preparation in the R&D Kitchen ...

GBC Food Services

R&D Sushi Chef

Richardson, TX · On-site

The R&D Sushi Chef leads the development and execution of innovative sushi offerings in ... The Head Sushi Chef will also assist with catering opportunities, presentations, training ...

GBC Food Services LLC

R&D Sushi Chef

Richardson, TX · On-site

The R&D Sushi Chef leads the development and execution of innovative sushi offerings in ... The Head Sushi Chef will also assist with catering opportunities, presentations, training ...

Standardmeat

R&D CHEF

Fort Worth, TX

Summary The R&D Chef supports the development and commercialization of innovative food products by combining culinary expertise with manufacturing and customer insights. This role partners closely ...

Standard Meat Company

R&D CHEF

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Summary The R&D Chef supports the development and commercialization of innovative food products by combining culinary expertise with manufacturing and customer insights. This role partners closely ...

Conagra Brands

Development Chef

Omaha, NE

$63K - $93K/yr

You will coordinate research and development cuttings, drive flavor and technique, and serve as a ... * Assist with customer meetings featuring foodfocused discussions led by the culinary team.

Farmer's Fridge

R&D Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

As the R&D Chef at Farmer's Fridge, you will be the creative engine behind our ever-evolving menu ... Iterate quickly based on production feedback, sensory data and customer feedback * Assist in ...

Farmer's Fridge Careers

R&D Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

As the R&D Chef at Farmer's Fridge, you will be the creative engine behind our ever-evolving menu ... Iterate quickly based on production feedback, sensory data and customer feedback * Assist in ...

Kagome Inc.

Business Development Chef

San Carlos, CA · On-site

... * Assist Corporate Chef with delivering culinary presentations and leading working sessions at customer test kitchens and Kagome's Global Innovation Center * Work with Kagome R&D managers and ...

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Development Chef

Omaha, NE · On-site

$63K - $93K/yr

You will coordinate research and development cuttings, drive flavor and technique, and serve as a ... * Assist with customer meetings featuring food-focused discussions led by the culinary team.

KAGOME, Inc.

Business Development Chef

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$77K - $127K/yr

... * Assist Corporate Chef with delivering culinary presentations and leading working sessions at customer test kitchens and Kagome's Global Innovation Center * Work with Kagome R&D managers and ...

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Assistant Research Development Chef information

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How much do assistant research development chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant research development chef in the United States is $21.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Research Development Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Research Development Chef, you need a solid background in culinary arts, food science, and recipe development, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety systems, and product development software is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure innovative product creation, maintain food quality and safety, and facilitate smooth collaboration with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Assistant Research Development Chef vs Research and Development Chef?

AspectAssistant Research Development ChefResearch and Development Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, certifications in food safety, experience in culinary researchAdvanced culinary degree or extensive industry experience, leadership skills
Work EnvironmentSupportive kitchen and lab settings, collaborative teamsLeadership role in R&D labs, overseeing product development
Employer & IndustryFood manufacturing, hospitality, food product companiesFood companies, large restaurants, product innovation teams
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The Assistant Research Development Chef primarily supports product development tasks, working under supervision in culinary labs or kitchens. In contrast, the Research and Development Chef leads innovation projects, overseeing the entire development process. Both roles require culinary expertise and industry experience, but the R&D Chef holds more responsibility and leadership in the development cycle.

What are some typical challenges an Assistant Research Development Chef faces when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Assistant Research Development Chefs often work closely with culinary, marketing, and food science teams to develop new products. A common challenge is balancing creative culinary ideas with practical constraints such as cost, production scalability, and regulatory requirements. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as you must often adjust recipes or concepts based on feedback from different departments. This collaborative environment provides valuable learning opportunities but requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills to keep projects on track.

What are Assistant Research Development Chefs?

Assistant Research Development Chefs are culinary professionals who support the creation and testing of new recipes, menu items, or food products, often in collaboration with research and development teams. They assist in experimenting with ingredients, refining cooking techniques, and ensuring that new dishes meet quality, taste, and safety standards. Their role bridges culinary creativity and scientific food development, making them integral to innovation in restaurants, food manufacturing, or hospitality companies.
What cities are hiring for Assistant Research Development Chef jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Research Development Chef job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development Chef jobs? The most popular types of Research Development Chef jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Research Development Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Research Development Chef jobs include:
Assistant Research Development Chef jobs near you
Research & Development Chef

Research & Development Chef

Yum! Brands

Plano, TX

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Yum! Brands rating

3.9

Company rating: 3.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

What You'll Be Serving Up:

Designs, plans, and manages R&D projects of varying complexity resulting in new or improved products & processes. Works directly with CI, Marketing, cross-functional teams, and suppliers to support the KFC US Innovation pipeline.

Here's How You'll Spice Things Up:

 Leads the identification of appropriate vendors and preparation of technical brief at onset of project.

Leads the development, evaluation, and revision process for product prototypes.

Design, coordinate and execute consumer/sensory tests and in-market research tests research using common sensory and consumer research protocols, including proper documentation, managing food and packaging inventory, review and execute with support of team to ensure smooth delivery/execution, interpretation of results and communication of next steps both internally and externally.

Develops operational procedures and specifications for new products which yield a food safe and consistent quality product. This includes identifying new smallwares (if needed), identifying appropriate in-store packaging, development and validation of cooking/holding procedures and testing of ingredients for all approved equipment.

Conducts yield analysis and depletion work and communicate results to cross-functional team.

Supports KFC/YUM nutritional goals by developing products which meet defined nutritional goals through theoretical and final lab analysis to validate consumer nutritional profiles of new/improved products.

Completes the required documentation and records for all testing and development conducted in the labs.

Secure formulas/specifications, develop packaging labels, and identify appropriate shelf life while partnering with commercialization.

Plan, execute & support: Chef's Council, Food Immersions, Supplier Summits, PR/Media launch events, Ops/ Market Tests.

Plan, execute & support product demos; NCAC, Innovation Day, Innovation WIP, LT WIP

Leads assigned AVA projects (Alternate Vendor Approval)

Travel as needed to support product development, consumer testing, etc.

Supports rapid innovation testing with key franchisees to accelerate the innovation process and reduce time between concept and commercialization.

What You Bring to the Table:

  • Education:
    • Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year university, preferably in Food Science or related field.
  • Experience:
    • 4+ years of relevant work experience required with Bachelor's.
    • Experience in a Product Development position for a quick service restaurant brand ($500M+ in size),  creating and commercializing successful new product offerings preferred.
  • Skills
    • Excellent oral and written communication skills to engage and align cross-functional stakeholders; ability to present effectively.
    • Strong analytical skills to interpret data and form action-able recommendations.
    • Exceptional project management capabilities, including driving great outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
  • Mindset:
    • Relentless in the pursuit of excellence and maintaining high standards.
    • Resourceful and adaptive in ambiguous situations with a proven ability to operate "in the grey."
    • Resilient in the face of obstacles and persistent in driving towards results.
    • Thrive in a collaborative environment and excel at inspiring and developing team members.

What's In It for You:

Education - Bachelors degree preferred in Food Science.

Experience

5+ years R&D/technical experience.

Successful leading projects with minimal coaching.

Strong product development mindset.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interface directly with higher levels of management.

Self-motivated with a strong drive for results and intellectual curiosity.

Strong oral and written communication skills.

Must be able to meet deadlines and work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

KFC Corporation, based in Plano, Texas, is one of the few brands in America that can boast about having a rich, 60-year history of success and innovation. In fact, KFC is the world's most popular chicken restaurant chain and a division of Yum! Brands, the world's largest restaurant company.
 
Yum! Brands, Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, has over 45,000 restaurants in more than 135 countries and territories and is one of the Aon Hewitt Top Companies for Leaders in North America. In 2018, Yum! Brands was recognized as part of the inaugural Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index. The company's restaurant brands - KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell - are global leaders of the chicken, pizza and Mexican-style food categories. 
More important than our size is our commitment to breakthrough innovation and the success of our employees. We're proud of the unique culture we've built, one where everyone can be their best self, make a difference and have fun! We believe in our people, trust in their positive intentions, encourage ideas from everyone, and have actively developed a workforce that is diverse in style and background.

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