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Assistant Research Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Associate Development Chef

Omaha, NE · On-site

$59K - $78K/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.

R&D Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

Apply engineering and scientific principles to support research and development initiatives * Assist R&D technicians in producing prototypes, test samples, and conceptual processes * Troubleshoot ...

Assistant, Research

Denver, CO · On-site

$21 - $28.20/hr

We are recruiting for a mission-driven Assistant, Research to join our team! We're with you for ... Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development ...

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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 10, 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:
Associate Development Chef

Associate Development Chef

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Omaha, NE • On-site

$59K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Conagra Brands rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 126 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

178th of 381 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Reporting to the Culinary Director, you will cook, create, and innovate in our research & development kitchen where food is the star. You will lead culinary product development from concept through execution, crafting and refining recipes while partnering closely with food scientists to develop gold-standard formulations that will be commercialized at our plants. This role is deeply hands-on and highly visible, blending chef creativity with storytelling as you bring culinary inspiration to life for our leadership, customers and at events. You will coordinate research and development cuttings, drive flavor and technique, and serve as a culinary ambassador who translates trends and inspiration into compelling, customer-ready products.
A Taste of Your Responsibilities
  • Coordinate and execute innovation tastings, customer meetings, and culinary-focused events.
  • Collaborate with members of the culinary team and cross-functional partners to arrange culinary-centric business functions such as taste treks and culinary inspiration days.
  • Assist with customer meetings featuring food-focused discussions led by the culinary team.
  • Maintain inventory of ingredients used in the development process and proactively stage ingredients for development sessions, focusing on culinary innovation.
  • Input and maintain recipes on inter-department shared drives and actively update records for future reference.
  • Maintain kitchen operations, including sanitation, maintenance, and organization.

Ingredients Required for Your Success
  • Associate degree in culinary arts or a related discipline.
  • Two years of experience in a culinary-focused role.
  • Previous experience with hands-on cooking responsibility and accountability for purchasing, sanitation, inventory management, and ordering processes.
  • Strong culinary skills with an emphasis on savory cooking and current food trends.
  • Sanitation training and certification.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Analytical and logical problem-solving skills.
  • Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

#LI-Onsite
#LI-MH1
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Compensation
Pay Range:$59,000-$78,000
The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee's actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees' equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.
Our Benefits
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:
  • Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
  • Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
  • Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
  • Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

Our Company
At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions - within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®.
Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.
Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

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About Conagra Brands

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG) is an approximately $11 billion company that combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus and entrepreneurial spirit. We're transforming the way we operate to fulfill what consumers and customers want, in a smart, simple way. We're modernizing our iconic food brands, leveraging fresh opportunities and adapting to a changing landscape - all with a culture that's ready to capture growth and drive shareholder value.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1919

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