1

Assistant Research Development Chef Jobs in Tennessee

The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert ... Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening ...

Sous Chef

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$42K - $57K/yr

Join Our Team as a Sous Chef at Ruth's Chris Steak House At Ruth's Chris Steak House, we believe in ... Assist in menu development, inventory control, and cost management.What We're Looking For:3+ years ...

Senior Sous Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70 - $75/hr

HOW YOU'LL SHAPE THE EXPERIENCE & FUTURE * Assist in overseeing daily kitchen operations, ensuring ... Collaborate with the Executive Sous Chef on menu development, recipe standardization, and food ...

New

Sous Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Work on line during service and assist wherever needed, as necessary. Physical Requirements ... Strong coaching and development skills * Ability to produce a high volume of work in a timely ...

Pastry Chef

Maryville, TN · On-site

$21.69 - $27.11/hr

Perform food preparation and cooking tasks for plated meals, buffets, and action stations as needed. * Assist with recipe testing and development in collaboration with Sous Chef and Executive Chef ...

Pastry Chef

Maryville, TN · On-site

$21.69 - $27.11/hr

Perform food preparation and cooking tasks for plated meals, buffets, and action stations as needed. * Assist with recipe testing and development in collaboration with Sous Chef and Executive Chef ...

Senior Sous Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70 - $75/hr

HOW YOU'LL SHAPE THE EXPERIENCE & FUTURE * Assist in overseeing daily kitchen operations, ensuring ... Collaborate with the Executive Sous Chef on menu development, recipe standardization, and food ...

New

Senior Sous Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

HOW YOU'LL SHAPE THE EXPERIENCE & FUTURE * Assist in overseeing daily kitchen operations, ensuring ... Collaborate with the Executive Sous Chef on menu development, recipe standardization, and food ...

$22.40 - $30.44/hr

Assists the Executive Chef in all phases of planning, ordering, inventory, and food preparation ... Food Production, Menu Development, and Delivery: * Assist with menu development and implementation ...

$22.40 - $30.44/hr

Assists the Executive Chef in all phases of planning, ordering, inventory, and food preparation ... Food Production, Menu Development, and Delivery: * Assist with menu development and implementation ...

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Assists the Executive Chef in all phases of planning, ordering, inventory, and food preparation ... Food Production, Menu Development, and Delivery: * Assist with menu development and implementation ...

Recipe Development: Develop, document, cost, and maintain written recipes and production specs so ... assist in menu pricing and portion control. * Dietary Accommodation: Accommodate gluten-free ...

Sous Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

... etc. Assist Culinary leaders with menu creation, development, and implementation. Discusses with the Senior Chefs and recommends menu price adjustments when warranted, and determine prices of ...

Sous Chef

Maryville, TN · On-site

$43K - $58K/yr

Assists the Executive Chef in all phases of planning, ordering, inventory, and food preparation ... Food Production, Menu Development, and Delivery: * Assist with menu development and implementation ...

Executive Chef I

Memphis, TN · On-site

$65 - $85/hr

Essential Responsibilities: * Assist in managing daily food production, including preparation and ... Experience in menu development, cost control, and kitchen operations. * Ability to adapt to guest ...

New

$70K - $80K/yr

Actively participate in the development of new dishes, ensuring they align with the company ... Follow standardized recipes and guidelines to prepare and cook menu items. * Assist in managing ...

Showing results 41-60

Assistant Research Development Chef information

What is an assistant research development chef?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant research development chef?

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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Research Development Chef jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Research Development Chef jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Assistant Research Development Chef jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Assistant Research Development Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Research Development Chef job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee the creation and preparation of desserts, pastries, breads, and baked goods for the vessel each day.

  • Prepare and serve food items according to established procedures, recipes, portion sizes, and presentation standards.

  • Maintain station setup, cleanliness, and organization in compliance with FDA standards, and communicate shortages or maintenance issues to the Executive Chef.


Job description

Pastry Chef
American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Pastry Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats and iconic paddlewheelers carry no more than 200 guests, providing a uniquely intimate small-ship experience along America’s rivers. With newly constructed vessels continually joining our expanding fleet, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to exceptional culinary experiences nationwide.
The Pastry Chef should have the culinary expertise and experience to make a wide variety of desserts and baked goods, including confectionary work. They must be able to understand and appreciate the subtleties of flavor pairings and different tastes, as well as have a good aesthetic sense for food and pastry presentation. This position is responsible for adhering to the daily menu matrix consisting of desserts, pastries, breads and other duties assigned by the Executive Chef. The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert and baking recipes to ensure that each guest and crew have an exceptional dining experience. While living onboard, our chefs enjoy comfortable living quarters and a challenging culinary working environment. Our galleys are well equipped with a spectacular view.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel each day.
  • Prepare and serve items in accordance with established procedures, recipes, portion size, and presentation standards.
  • Set-up, maintain, and breaks down station according to FDA Standards.
  • Taste all products produced to assess quality.
  • Notify the Executive Chef of any product shortages or equipment maintenance issues.
  • Maintain accurate counts on all food items prepared to prevent discrepancies between amount of food needed and food prepared.
  • Schedule the production of all baked goods.
  • Always maintain an inventory of fresh baked goods.
  • Use food production equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Maintain a professional appearance at all times.
  • Ensure that each guest has a positive and memorable experience.
Qualifications:
  • An Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts or pastry amp; baking, and/or 3-5 years of experience with an emphasis on quality production.
  • Basic understanding of professional baking and pastries and food amp; beverage knowledge.
  • Problem solving skills, organization skills, and self-motivation.
  • Commitment to quality service.
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test.
  • Must complete a criminal background check.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Work Schedule:
  • 7 days per week while onboard the ship.
  • 6-8 weeks working with 2 weeks of unpaid vacation.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.
Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to adapt and adjust daily to last-minute requests or changes.
  • Ability to multi-task and work in a team environment.
  • Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.
Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.
Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
**This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.