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Cereal Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Post Consumer Brands

Food Scientist II

Eugene, OR · On-site

Post also provides private label solutions to customers in pet food, cereal, nut butters and ... The Food Scientist II will lead and support new product development, product optimization, process ...

Post Consumer Brands

Food Scientist II

Eugene, OR

Post also provides private label solutions to customers in pet food, cereal, nut butters and ... The Food Scientist II will lead and support new product development, product optimization, process ...

SIEMER MILLING COMPANY

Food Scientist

Teutopolis, IL

$65K - $95K/yr

The primary objective of the Food Scientist for Specialty Ingredients is to develop knowledge about 1) cereal grains, especially wheat, 2) grain processes, both basic and advanced, and 3) the ...

Post Consumer Brands

Site Food Scientist II

Troy, AL · On-site

Post also provides private label solutions to customers in pet food, cereal, nut butters and ... Responsibilities Site Food Scientist II Location: Troy, Alabama Post Consumer Brands - Troy ...

ADM

SME - CD&D Bakery Color - Erlanger, KY

Erlanger, KY · On-site

$125K - $185K/yr

The CD&D Colors Application Scientist (Bakery & Cereal) serves as a technical subject matter expert in color application across bakery and cereal systems, delivering innovative, scalable solutions ...

System One

Food Scientist - Dough Rheology

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Cereal Chemistry * R&D * Product Development * Formulation Development * New Product Development (NPD) * Product Innovation * Dough & process science: Dough Rheology * Flour Functionality * Flour ...

Montana State University

Research Assistant III

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$19.46 - $23.23/hr

... Sciences and Plant Pathology, Cereal Quality Laboratory (CQL). The CQL researches the end-use properties of cereal and pulse grains. Emphasis is on seed quality for wheat, barley, and pulses. Flour ...

GRUMA

Sr Food Technologist

Grand Prairie, TX

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Master's degree in food science or related field, plus 3 years of baking or cereal industry research and development experience, or alternatively, bachelor's degree in food ...

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All JobsCereal Scientist Jobs

Cereal Scientist information

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$33K

$85.5K

$140.5K

How much do cereal scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for cereal scientist in the United States is $85,539.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cereal scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cereal Scientist, you need a strong background in food science, chemistry, and grain technology, often supported by a degree in food science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, quality control systems, and relevant certifications such as HACCP are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this field. These skills ensure the safe development, testing, and improvement of cereal products to meet quality standards and consumer expectations.

What is a cereal scientist?

Cereal scientists are professionals who study the chemistry, biology, and technology of cereal grains such as wheat, corn, rice, oats, and barley. Their work involves researching ways to improve the quality, safety, and nutritional value of cereal-based foods. They may also develop new food products, enhance processing methods, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Cereal scientists often collaborate with food manufacturers, agricultural producers, and regulatory agencies to advance cereal science and technology.

What is the difference between Cereal Scientist vs Food Scientist?

AspectCereal ScientistFood Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Food Science, Agriculture, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Food Science, Chemistry, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, cereal production facilities, agricultural settingsResearch labs, manufacturing plants, quality control labs
Industry UsageSpecialized in cereal grains and productsBroader food industry, including various food products
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both Cereal Scientists and Food Scientists work within the food industry and often share similar educational backgrounds, Cereal Scientists focus specifically on cereal grains and related products. Food Scientists have a broader scope, working across various food categories. The roles overlap in research, product development, and quality control, but Cereal Scientists specialize in cereal-specific applications and innovations.

What are some common challenges faced by cereal scientists during product development?

Cereal scientists often encounter challenges such as achieving the desired texture and taste while maintaining nutritional value in new cereal products. Balancing ingredient functionality, processing conditions, and consumer preferences requires close collaboration with food technologists, quality assurance teams, and marketing departments. Additionally, staying updated with regulatory standards and addressing issues like shelf life and allergen management are integral parts of the role. Overcoming these challenges promotes innovation and ensures the successful launch of new products.
More about Cereal Scientist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cereal Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Cereal Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Cereal Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Cereal Scientist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cereal Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cereal Scientist jobs are:
Cereal Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cereal Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 13% Internship, 65% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $85,539 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Food Scientist II

Post Consumer Brands

Eugene, OR • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Post Consumer Brands rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 434 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Business Unit Overview
Headquartered in Lakeville, Minn., Post Consumer Brands, a business unit of Post Holdings, Inc., is dedicated to providing people and their pets with delicious food choices for every taste and budget. The company's portfolio includes beloved brands such as Honey Bunches of Oats™, PEBBLES™, Grape-Nuts™ and Malt-O-Meal™ cereal and Peter Pan™ peanut butter, as well as Rachael Ray® Nutrish™, Kibbles 'n Bits™ and 9Lives™ dog and cat food. Post also provides private label solutions to customers in pet food, cereal, nut butters and granola. As a company committed to high standards of quality and to our values, we are driven by one idea: To make lives better by making delicious food accessible for all. For more information about our brands, visit www.postconsumerbrands.com and follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook for the latest news.
Location Description
The Eugene, Oregon plant produces both organic and non-organic granola, with annual production of up to 52 million pounds. The site supports a team of more than 200 manufacturing and support employees and plays an important role in supplying private label granola products across the U.S.
Eugene is known for its strong focus on sustainability, outdoor recreation, and innovation. Home to the University of Oregon, the city is widely recognized as the birthplace of Nike, reflecting its long-standing connection to athletics and performance culture and is also known as Track Town USA. Another frequent cry in Eugene establishments is "Go Ducks," celebrating the triumphs of the U of O men's and women's sports teams. Eugene offers abundant access to parks, trails, and natural beauty, along with a vibrant arts and food scene, creating an engaging and lifestyle-oriented community for employees and their families.
Responsibilities
Post Holdings is seeking a talented and innovative Food Scientist II to join our Product Development team in Eugene, Oregon. This role is ideal for a food science professional who can blend baking chemistry expertise with culinary creativity to develop granola and cereal products that deliver exceptional flavor, texture, and the perfect crunch.
The Food Scientist II will lead and support new product development, product optimization, process improvements, and commercialization efforts from concept through full-scale manufacturing. The ideal candidate will have experience working with granola, cereal, snack, or grain-based products and possess strong formulation, scale-up, and manufacturing knowledge.
This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on product innovation while working within a collaborative, growth-oriented environment that combines the resources of a large organization with the agility of a smaller team.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development & Innovation
  • Develop new cereal, granola, and grain-based products from concept through commercialization.
  • Improve and extend existing product lines to enhance quality, texture, flavor, nutritional profile, and consumer appeal.
  • Utilize baking chemistry, ingredient functionality, and culinary principles to create innovative products.
  • Conduct laboratory, benchtop, pilot plant, vendor, and full-scale manufacturing trials.
  • Scale formulations successfully from benchtop development to commercial production.

Commercialization & Manufacturing Support
  • Lead and support commercialization activities for new products and product improvements.
  • Provide product design and processing parameter recommendations for new products, capacity improvements, and equipment design.
  • Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Procurement, and Marketing teams to ensure successful product launches.
  • Support validation of process and product parameter changes at manufacturing facilities.
  • Troubleshoot product quality, processing, and manufacturing issues using scientific and analytical approaches.

Process Improvement & Cost Optimization
  • Identify and implement product and process improvements that drive efficiency, quality, consistency, and cost savings.
  • Support product and packaging modifications, equipment enhancements, and manufacturability improvements.
  • Evaluate ingredient alternatives and process changes to optimize performance and reduce costs.
  • Participate in corporate cost-savings initiatives and continuous improvement projects.

Technical & Regulatory Responsibilities
  • Develop and maintain formulas, specifications, processing procedures, and technical documentation.
  • Conduct ingredient evaluations, sensory assessments, shelf-life studies, and product performance testing.
  • Ensure compliance with FDA regulations, GMPs, HACCP programs, food safety requirements, and company standards.
  • Stay current on industry trends, competitive products, emerging ingredients, and consumer preferences.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree (minimum) in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Nutrition, or a related technical field.
  • 2+ years of experience in food manufacturing, product development, or R&D within the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) food industry.
  • Experience developing or manufacturing food products.
  • Proven success in product formulation, process development, and commercialization.
  • Strong understanding of baking science, ingredient functionality, and food processing principles.
  • Experience scaling products from benchtop development to pilot and commercial production.
  • Working knowledge of FDA regulations, GMPs, HACCP, and food safety systems.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, project management, and communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and technical documentation software.

Preferred Qualifications
  • 2-5 years of experience in a product development or process development role within the food industry.
  • Direct experience in granola and cereal product development.
  • Experience with baking, mixing, coating, extrusion, drying, or cereal manufacturing processes.
  • Demonstrated history of culinary innovation and successful product launches.
  • Experience with sensory evaluation, shelf-life testing, and nutritional labeling.
  • Experience supporting capacity expansion, equipment qualification, and manufacturing optimization initiatives.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to work effectively in laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments.
  • Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout production facilities for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
  • Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) in manufacturing areas.

Why You'll Love This Role
  • Big company opportunities with a small company culture and attitude.
  • Direct influence on product formulation, innovation, and commercialization.
  • Opportunity to create products consumers enjoy every day.
  • Meaningful impact on process development and scale-up to full plant production.
  • Collaborative and growth-oriented team environment.
  • Exposure to cross-functional leadership and strategic initiatives.
  • Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within Post Holdings.

Ideal Candidate Profile
The successful candidate is a hands-on Food Scientist who enjoys working in both the lab and the manufacturing plant. They possess a strong combination of food science expertise, baking chemistry knowledge, culinary creativity, and commercial manufacturing experience. They thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a passion for creating innovative granola and cereal products that delight consumers while meeting quality, operational, and business objectives.
Compensation
$70,386.00-$105,590.00
Location & Travel
  • Location: Eugene, OR
  • Travel: Minimal travel required as needed

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