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Consumer Food Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Business Unit Overview Headquartered in Lakeville, Minn., Post Consumer Brands, a business unit of ... Four-year college degree in Food Science, Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, or other related ...

Pilot Plant Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

Bachelor's degree in food engineering, food science or a similar discipline. ? experience in working with Pilot and Labs vendors and co-manufacturers. * possess experience working in a consumer food ...

... Food Science. This role leads product development initiatives and establishes operational ... Create products based on ingredient functionality, nutritional targets, consumer need, claim ...

Qualifications BS in Food Science and/or Technology or a related discipline (e.g. psychology, statistics, consumer science) with min. 6years relevant training/work experience with sensory evaluation ...

Minimum of 2 years of product development experience within food, beverage, flavor, or related consumer product industrie * s.Strong knowledge of food science principles, ingredient functionality ...

$56K - $89K/yr

POSITION SPECIFICS The Sensory Evaluation Center (SEC) in the Department of Food Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences is seeking a full-time Sensory & Consumer Scientist (Research Project ...

The National Food Lab's best-in-class consumer and sensory research capabilities employ a variety ... PhD degree from an IFT accredited food science program, or equivalent combination of education and ...

Ensure all food developments meet all required food and safety, consumer, and industry standards. * Perform other duties as assigned. Position Requirements * Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food ...

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Consumer Food Science information

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How much do consumer food science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for consumer food science in the United States is $22.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in food science?

In food science, senior roles such as Food Science Directors or R&D Managers typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually. These positions require advanced education, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and they often involve overseeing product development, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance.

What jobs use consumer science?

Consumer Food Science professionals work in roles such as product development, quality assurance, sensory analysis, and market research within the food industry. These jobs often require knowledge of food safety, nutrition, and consumer preferences, and may involve laboratory work, data analysis, and collaboration with marketing teams.

What can I do with a consumer science degree?

A consumer food science degree prepares individuals for roles in product development, quality assurance, sensory analysis, and food safety within the food industry. Graduates can work in research labs, manufacturing companies, or regulatory agencies, often utilizing skills in data analysis, food chemistry, and consumer behavior. Certifications like HACCP or SQF can enhance job prospects in this field.

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

A food science degree can lead to roles such as food scientist, quality assurance manager, product development specialist, or sensory analyst. These jobs typically involve developing, testing, and ensuring the safety and quality of food products, often requiring knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, and regulatory standards.

What is consumer food science?

Consumer food science is a field that studies how people perceive, choose, and use food products. It combines principles from food science, psychology, marketing, and sensory evaluation to understand consumer preferences and behaviors. Professionals in this field work to improve food quality, safety, and appeal based on consumer feedback and trends, helping food companies develop products that meet market demands.

What types of teams or departments do Consumer Food Scientists typically collaborate with in a food company?

Consumer Food Scientists often work closely with cross-functional teams, including product development, marketing, sensory analysis, and quality assurance. Collaboration is essential, as you may be involved in designing consumer tests, interpreting feedback, and helping translate consumer preferences into actionable product improvements. This role requires effective communication and teamwork, as findings from consumer research directly influence product formulation, branding, and even packaging decisions.

What is the difference between Consumer Food Science vs Food Technologist?

AspectConsumer Food ScienceFood Technologist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or related fieldBachelor's or higher in Food Science, Food Technology, or related
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, consumer testing, product developmentManufacturing facilities, quality control labs, R&D
Industry UsageConsumer product companies, market research firmsFood manufacturing, processing plants, quality assurance

Consumer Food Science focuses on understanding consumer preferences, sensory testing, and product development tailored to market needs. Food Technologists primarily work on the technical aspects of food processing, safety, and quality control. Both roles require a background in food science and often overlap in product development, but Consumer Food Science emphasizes consumer insights, while Food Technologists focus on technical production processes.

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

To thrive as a Consumer Food Scientist, you need a background in food science, nutrition, and sensory evaluation, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Proficiency with laboratory equipment, statistical analysis software, and familiarity with food safety regulations are typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills help you understand consumer preferences and effectively collaborate across departments. These skills are crucial for developing appealing, safe, and marketable food products that meet consumer needs.
More about Consumer Food Science jobs
Sr Scientist

$89K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 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

75th of 388 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

Northfield, Minn. is home to two Post Consumer Brands manufacturing plants, the Campbell Mill and Ames Mill, two distribution centers, and more than 750 team members. The Campbell Mill plant is 1 million square feet and is home to 7 manufacturing technologies to produce a wide variety of cereal products our customers know and love. Northfield is a town steeped in history, featuring two colleges and the original Ames Mill where the Malt-O-Meal Company got its start. 


Responsibilities

Provide technical quality support to Quality Assurance, Operations, and Product Development with an emphasis on continuous improvement, consumer/customer requirements, and continuous product quality. Act as the official back-up for the Plant Quality and Food Safety Manager. Support, implement, and maintain food safety practices as required through SQF. Responsible for completing job duties in a manner that supports all plant safety, food safety, quality, and environmental practices.

 Responsibilities

  • Provide leadership for the plant’s compliance to the SQF standard as serve as plant SQF Practitioner. Practitioner will oversee the development, implementation, review, and maintenance of the SQF system.
  • Serve as plant Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) for the facility.
  • Responsible for plant Food Safety Plans (FSP’s) and pre-requisite programs. This would include development, implementation, review and maintenance of these programs.
  • Manage and develop plant Quality and Food Safety Scientists.
  • Support site-wide activities where technical expertise is needed.
  • Develop and ensure that the Quality and Food Safety training plan is executed and meet internal, 3rd party, regulatory, and SQF requirements.
  • Serve as primary back-up for QFS Manager. This could involve supporting meetings and other plant leadership team activities.
  • Back-up other positions in the department as needed.

Qualifications

Education:

  • Four-year college degree in Food Science, Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, or other related field of study required
  • Preventative Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI), HACCP, Food Defense and SQF Certification preferred

Experience:

  • Minimum of 5 years food product experience required preferably as a QA Scientist or Quality Supervisor

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Excellent organizational and problem solving skills
  • Ability to work with a PC and have demonstrated math/statistical computation skills
  • Knowledge of SPC
  • Ability to work safely with chemicals, as well as, in and around equipment
  • Ability to compile, analyze and present collected data in summary form as well as being capable of performing a variety of tests.
  • Ability to communicate technical, scientific, and regulatory information, both written and verbally. 
  • Interpersonal and presentation skills, including the ability to make presentations, facilitate meetings, probe for root cause, and provide training to various groups within the organization
  • Knowledge of CI problem solving tools. 
The pay range for this position is $89,506 - $132,468 per year.Qualifications:

Education:

  • Four-year college degree in Food Science, Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, or other related field of study required
  • Preventative Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI), HACCP, Food Defense and SQF Certification preferred

Experience:

  • Minimum of 5 years food product experience required preferably as a QA Scientist or Quality Supervisor

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Excellent organizational and problem solving skills
  • Ability to work with a PC and have demonstrated math/statistical computation skills
  • Knowledge of SPC
  • Ability to work safely with chemicals, as well as, in and around equipment
  • Ability to compile, analyze and present collected data in summary form as well as being capable of performing a variety of tests.
  • Ability to communicate technical, scientific, and regulatory information, both written and verbally. 
  • Interpersonal and presentation skills, including the ability to make presentations, facilitate meetings, probe for root cause, and provide training to various groups within the organization
  • Knowledge of CI problem solving tools. 
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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