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Associate Food Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Louis Dreyfus Company

Food Science Associate

Livermore, CA

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

The Food Science Associate works on the characterization of plant proteins and other food ingredients and supports development of plant-based food and beverage products. This role involves taking ...

Louis Dreyfus Company

Food Science Associate

Livermore, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

The Food Science Associate works on the characterization of plant proteins and other food ingredients and supports development of plant-based food and beverage products. This role involves taking ...

Louis Dreyfus Company

Food Science Associate

Livermore, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

The Food Science Associate works on the characterization of plant proteins and other food ingredients and supports development of plant-based food and beverage products. This role involves taking ...

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Associate Food Scientist information

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How much do associate food scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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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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.

Associate Scientist - Food Chemistry

Kemin

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Overview
Kemin Industries Food Technologies business unit is seeking an Associate Scientist to join our team of experienced researchers and help strengthen the chemistry foundation behind our ingredient-innovation initiatives.
We are seeking a scientist with a background in Food Science, Food Chemistry, or Chemistry with relevant industry experience, focused on general chemistry as it applies to food systems. This role will focus on developing new ingredients, establishing SOPs, creating analytical methods and food models, and applying instrumental and organic chemistry to identify functional molecules, with an emphasis on natural sources.
This position requires someone who can balance scientific rigor with creativity, connecting deep molecular understanding to practical, commercially viable solutions. Working alongside microbiology and application scientists, this individual will anchor the team with chemistry expertise and help drive clean-label, affordable ingredient innovation. The ideal candidate is motivated by real-world impact and excited to translate chemistry into meaningful advancements for the food industry.
Join the Kemin Team and Transform Lives!
We are a privately held, family-owned-and-operated global biotechnology company driven by curiosity and committed to transforming the quality of life for people, pets, and the planet.
We create solutions that strengthen health and wellbeing, provide nutrition and immune support for pets and production animals, safeguard the planet's natural resources, and protect the global food supply chain for generations to come.
We supply over 500 specialty ingredients for various industries, including human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines.
We employ 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.
As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial, physical, and professional well-being:
  • Competitive Financial Package: Enjoy a rewarding salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, a 401k match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
  • Health and Wellness Support: Stay fit and healthy with our fitness reimbursement for the whole family, access to an on-site fitness center, a restaurant offering seasonal fresh food options, and free fresh fruit in break areas.
  • Career Development and Advancement: Unlock your potential with opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.
  • Continued Learning Opportunities: Grow your skills with our in-house learning platforms, offering thousands of training resources both live and online, and take advantage of tuition reimbursement for external post-secondary pursuits.
  • Service Opportunities: Make a positive impact with paid time off for service, partnerships with The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, and local community initiatives.

Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute chemical assays and food model testing for ingredient evaluation.
  • Independently conduct innovative scientific experiments and translate research into practical applications.
  • Perform pilot-plant operations to support process scale-up and optimization
  • Perform literature reviews and provide written summaries that are incorporated into strategy.
  • Identify and deliver commercial viable solutions to customers
  • communicate effectively and display cross-functional collaboration to drive successful product commercialization
  • Reliable and consistently deliver high-quality data and reports on time
  • Independently develop and review SOP's, research protocols and research methods; design safety procedures
  • Independently perform advanced data analysis and review other's data to provide input and insight
  • Independently, collect, interpret and document research data.
  • Generate scientific publications for internal and external publication, with guidance and review.
  • Prepare and present data analytics and research in multiple formats both internally and externally
  • Review internal publication across Kemin.
  • Identify and participate in external research collaborations
  • Contribute to strategic planning process and customer meetings.
  • Provides instruction and training to interns and junior staff.

Qualifications
  • Education
    • PhD with 0-3 years experience
  • Must be able to work independently or on a team and have the ability to work in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment.
  • Solid knowledge foundation in food chemistry (especially on polyphenols, phytochemicals, colorants, etc.), and hands on lab experience in food and chemical analysis.
  • Strong understanding of food ingredient functionalities, interactions, and core food-processing principles
  • Excellent Scientific skills in experiment design and data collection, able to maintain instruments.
  • Detail oriented, organized, prioritization skills and motivated by accomplishment.
  • Ability to understand and perform advanced statistical analysis.
  • Analytical lab skills with a strong scientific curiosity and innovative thinking.
  • Fluent in English. Excellent written and oral communication skills with ability to present ideas effectively.
  • Advanced computer knowledge (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, etc.).

We are an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed/religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status (where applicable), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy/childbirth/breastfeeding or related conditions, age (40+), disability (including the use of a service animal), genetic information, marital status, familial or caregiver status, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, reproductive health decision-making, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also prohibit retaliation for raising concerns or participating in an EEO process. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview can email TalentAcquisition.US@Kemin.com.
A post-offer background check and drug screen is required. Additional pre-employment requirements may be necessary based on position.
Kemin is a drug-free and tobacco-free campus.
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