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Associate Food Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

$13 - $17.75/hr

This position will be hired as an Assistant/Associate Professor of Food Science-Microbiological Food Safety, Food Quality, and Industrial Food Processing . Agriculture in Pennsylvania accounts for ...

Grupo Bimbo

Quality Food Safety Supervisor

Ithaca, NY · On-site

$64K - $84K/yr

More than 20,000 associates in bakeries, sales centers, offices and on sales routes work to ensure ... Education and Work History: • BS degree, in Food Science or related major preferred • Bakery ...

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Associate Food Scientist information

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How much do associate food scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 does an Associate Food Scientist do?

An Associate Food Scientist assists in the development and testing of new food products and the improvement of existing ones. They conduct experiments, analyze ingredients, and ensure products meet safety and quality standards. Their role often involves working in laboratories, documenting results, and collaborating with other scientists and departments to bring products from concept to market. Associate Food Scientists play a key part in research, formulation, and sensory evaluation of foods.

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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What job categories do people searching Associate Food Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Food Scientist jobs are:
Associate Food Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Food Scientist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,723 per year, or $35.9 per hour.
Scientist, R&D - Panel Leader & Descriptive Sensory

Scientist, R&D - Panel Leader & Descriptive Sensory

Kraft Heinz Company

Glenview, IL • On-site

$77K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Kraft Heinz rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

192nd of 380 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Job Description
Job Purpose
The Sensory Descriptive Panel Leader is responsible for sensory descriptive panel research for assigned Kraft Heinz product categories. This role owns day-to-day panel operations, including project management, panelist training and performance, data collection and analysis, reporting, and delivery of actionable sensory insights that inform product development, quality, and business decisions.
The position collaborates closely with the Sensory & Consumer Experience team, R&D, Marketing, and other internal partners to deliver rigorous, timely, and aligned sensory data and recommendations.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
  • Plan and conduct descriptive sensory projects, participate in development of project objectives, execute against same, and recommend action plans to implement key findings
  • Lead descriptive sensory analysis (QDA) panels for assigned product categories, including planning, scheduling, preparing, and facilitating panel sessions.
  • Moderate panel discussions and consensus sessions objectively and without bias while ensuring adherence to established sensory protocols.
  • Recruit, train, rescreen, motivate, and manage panelists to maintain a qualified, reliable, and high performing panel.
  • Develop and deliver sensory training for panelists, plant personnel, and internal stakeholders on sensory fundamentals, evaluation methods, and best practices.
  • Analyze and interpret sensory data; prepare preliminary and final reports; and present findings and actionable recommendations to internal clients and cross functional teams.
  • Monitor panel performance using statistical tools and implement calibration, retraining, or corrective actions as needed to ensure data quality and consistency.
  • Develop and maintain sensory reference library including reference standards, consumables, sample prep procedures, evaluation procedures and proper documentation.
  • Support global sensory alignment by collaborating with regional and international sensory teams to ensure consistency of methods, protocols, and data interpretation across locations.
  • Collaborate with Senior Sensory Scientists on preference mapping and qualitative multivariate analysis studies.
  • Consult with internal clients to clarify research needs and align methodologies with business objectives
  • Develop a working understanding of Kraft Heinz brands, categories, and business priorities

Expected Experience & Required Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in Sensory Science, Food Science, Statistics, Market Research, or a related field with 2-3 years of relevant experience; or an Associate of Science with a sensory and consumer science certification and equivalent experience.
  • Strong knowledge of sensory methodologies, including descriptive analysis, and discrimination testing.
  • Solid understanding of statistical analyses for sensory data; experience with multivariate techniques (e.g., PCA, PLS, MDS) preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and interpret analytical sensory studies and translate results into clear business recommendations.
  • Experience with sensory data collection and analysis software (e.g., RedJade, Compusense preferred), including test setup, dashboards, and reporting.
  • Proven capability to evaluate and improve panel performance through application of statistical monitoring tools.
  • Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across functions and manage the group dynamics of sensory panels.
  • Excellent organizational, project management, prioritization, and time-management skills; able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
  • High attention to detail with a strong commitment to scientific rigor, data integrity, and continuous improvement.
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-based environment.
  • Demonstrated discretion and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
  • Willingness and ability to travel occasionally to support training, calibration, or global alignment activities.

Work Environment & Schedule
This position operates primarily in a hybrid work environment and is based at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Warrendale, PA. Our hybrid model provides flexibility based on business needs, allowing employees to work virtually up to two days per week, with an expectation to work on-site at least three days per week at the Warrendale Innovation Center.
Physical Requirements
Physical demands include but not limited to
  • Ability to lift 20lbs

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz' strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range:
$77,800.00 - $97,300.00
Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
  • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
  • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
  • Emotional - Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
  • Financial - 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)
Heinz Innovation Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

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