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Associate Food Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Utz Brands, Inc.

Sr. Food Scientist

Hanover, PA · On-site

The Opportunity: Sr. Food Scientist The Sr Food Scientist will be responsible for leading all ... Why Utz? We're proud to offer a supportive, inclusive environment where associates can grow their ...

UTZ Brands, Inc

Sr. Food Scientist

Hanover, PA

The Opportunity: Sr. Food Scientist The Sr Food Scientist will be responsible for leading all ... Why Utz? We're proud to offer a supportive, inclusive environment where associates can grow their ...

Conagra Brands

Meat Scientist

Omaha, NE

$64K - $95K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or a related field with coursework in meat science, including ... Noise levels can be high, and temperatures may vary. #LI-Onsite #LI-MH1 #LI-Associate Compensation ...

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Meat Scientist

Omaha, NE · On-site

$64K - $95K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or a related field with coursework in meat science, including ... Noise levels can be high, and temperatures may vary. #LI-Onsite #LI-MH1 #LI-Associate Compensation ...

ING Group

Associate, Food & Agribusiness

Dallas, TX · Hybrid

$130K - $165K/yr

Sectors | Food, Beverage, & Agribusiness | Associate | Dallas About ING: In Americas, ING ... Animal Science). * References * Experience: 4-5 years of relevant project/corporate finance ...

Request Foods

Food Prep Assistant - PART TIME

Holland, MI · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Position Title: Part-Time Product Development Associate (Food Prep Assistant) 1st shift - RQH ... High school diploma or equivalent; post-secondary education in culinary arts, food science, or a ...

New

Perdue Farms

Sensory Scientist

Salisbury, MD · On-site

$68K - $102K/yr

It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply ... We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and ...

Perdue Farms

Sensory Scientist

Salisbury, MD

$68K - $102K/yr

It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply ... We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and ...

Specialty Foods Group

R&D Meat Scientist

Delphi, IN

We support our associates by offering a total rewards package, including competitive pay, three ... Bachelor's degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Animal Science, or related discipline; Master's or ...

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Associate Food Scientist information

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$35

$57

How much do associate food scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate food scientist in the United States is $35.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.88 and $40.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical projects that an Associate Food Scientist might work on during their first year?

As an Associate Food Scientist, you can expect to contribute to a variety of projects such as developing new product formulations, improving existing recipes for taste or shelf life, and conducting sensory evaluations. You may also assist with lab-scale experiments, ingredient sourcing, and collaborating with cross-functional teams like quality assurance and production. Early in your role, you'll likely be involved in supporting senior scientists, documenting test results, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. This hands-on experience provides a solid foundation in both technical and collaborative aspects of food product development.

What is the highest salary for a food scientist?

The highest salaries for food scientists can exceed $100,000 annually, especially for those with advanced degrees, extensive experience, or leadership roles in the industry. Senior food scientists or managers working in large companies or specialized sectors tend to earn the highest compensation.

What does an associate food scientist do?

An associate food scientist supports the development, testing, and improvement of food products by conducting experiments, analyzing data, and ensuring quality standards are met. They often work in laboratories, use scientific tools, and follow safety protocols to assist senior scientists in product innovation and regulatory compliance.

What kind of job can I get with a food science degree?

An associate food scientist can work in food product development, quality assurance, food safety, or regulatory compliance within food manufacturing companies. These roles often require knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, and laboratory skills, and may involve using tools like sensory evaluation panels or laboratory instruments.

Is there a demand for food scientists?

The demand for food scientists, including associate food scientists, is expected to grow due to increasing focus on food safety, product innovation, and nutritional quality. Employment opportunities are available in food manufacturing, research institutions, and regulatory agencies, often requiring knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, and food processing techniques.

What is the difference between Associate Food Scientist vs Food Technologist?

AspectAssociate Food ScientistFood Technologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Food Science or related field; some roles may require internshipsBachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related discipline
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departments, quality control labsManufacturing facilities, quality assurance labs, product development teams
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing companies, research institutions, quality assurance firmsFood production companies, food processing plants, regulatory agencies

Associate Food Scientists typically focus on supporting research and development, testing, and quality control under supervision, while Food Technologists often lead product development, process improvements, and ensure compliance with safety standards. Both roles require a similar educational background and work in related environments, but their responsibilities and levels of independence differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Food Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Food Scientist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in food science or a related field, along with knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, and product development. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, sensory analysis tools, and food safety systems like HACCP is important, and certifications in food safety can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with teams and solve complex food formulation challenges. These skills ensure safe, high-quality product development and support innovation in a regulated industry.
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What cities are hiring for Associate Food Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Associate Food Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Food Scientist jobs are:
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Associate Food Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Food Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,723 per year, or $35.9 per hour.
Sr. Food Scientist

Sr. Food Scientist

Utz Brands, Inc.

Hanover, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

At Utz, we're not just making snacks-we're creating moments of joy for millions of consumers every day. With over a century of heritage and a powerhouse portfolio that includes Utz, Zapp's, Boulder Canyon, and On The Border, we're on a bold journey to become the fastest-growing pure-play U.S. snacking company of scale.
This is your opportunity to shape the future of snacking at a growing, iconic company. You won't just support innovation-you'll lead it, working on products that hit shelves and land in the hands of consumers nationwide.
You'll gain exposure across the business, build deep technical expertise, and grow your career in an environment that values curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
The Opportunity: Sr. Food Scientist
The Sr Food Scientist will be responsible for leading all aspects of new product development from concept to commercialization, along with supporting value creation and ongoing brand maintenance. This individual will work closely with several cross-functional groups including manufacturing, procurement, packaging, sales, commercialization, consumer insights, and marketing.
*This position is based at our headquarters location in Hanover, PA. Travel required for the role to various facilities as needed.
What You'll Own:
  • Designs, develops, conducts and/or reviews experiments (e.g., laboratory or process experiments) to deliver new products, support value creation driven projects and ongoing brand maintenance.
  • Evaluates ingredient and product efficacy, claims, and safety.
  • Evaluates new ingredients, materials, products and/or processes.
  • Successfully applies scientific, engineering and consumer insights principles in research, formulation, processing, and commercialization of snacks.
  • Identifies, evaluates, and selects new ingredients, developments, trends and technologies in the food and beverage industry to guide product development initiatives.
  • Runs pilot scale equipment with knowledge of various plant unit operations and processes.
  • Performs plant trials from initial planning through execution and scale-up.
  • Analyzes ingredients, finished products or other substances using laboratory instruments. This includes preparation of analytical standards and standard curves.
  • Uses and applies knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (e.g., handling of chemicals and glassware, preparation of standards and reagents, proper measuring techniques, data management, housekeeping).
  • Develops, maintains and/or validates laboratory test methods or equipment (sampling, monitoring, analytical procedures) to ensure reliability and accuracy of analytical results.
  • Writes detailed and accurate reports for analyses, experiments, and projects.
  • Responsible for quality and food safety tasks for their position.
  • Scouts new technologies, processes and partners to help drive the business, meeting new consumer and business needs

What You'll Bring:
Education
  • Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, chemical engineering is preferred, or equivalent combination of education

Experience
  • 3-5 years of experience in food product development in snacks; would consider Internship or laboratory experience in food science, chemistry, or a related field, demonstrating hands-on skills in product development or research.
  • Exposure to cross-functional teamwork, such as collaborating with manufacturing, procurement, or marketing teams on academic or extracurricular projects.
  • Familiarity with laboratory techniques, Good Laboratory Practices, and basic data analysis, gained through coursework or practical training.

Skills
  • Demonstrated leadership and team building competencies.
  • Project management and complex problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and people management skills.
  • Able to be self-directed, forward thinking and make complex decisions that drive business innovation and performance.
  • Deep ability to exercise design of experiments, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
  • Comfort with presenting findings/data to senior leadership.
  • Excellent time and project management skills with proven ability to manage and prioritize multiple, concurrent projects.

External Recruitment Process:
  • Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started.
  • Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.
  • Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture.

Why Utz?
We're proud to offer a supportive, inclusive environment where associates can grow their careers and live their healthiest lives. Our benefits include:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Employer-match 401(k) and profit-sharing
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Career development programs and more

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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