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Contractual Research Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Keck Medicine of USC

Cashier, IRC

Los Angeles, CA

$25.50/hr

The team at USC Hospitality is led by innovative executive chefs and directors who strive every day ... USC has great minds that transform the world with their talents and research. Will you be one? Join ...

USC Gould School of Law

Cashier, IRC

Los Angeles, CA

$25.50/hr

The team at USC Hospitality is led by innovative executive chefs and directors who strive every day ... USC has great minds that transform the world with their talents and research. Will you be one? Join ...

USC Gould School of Law

Steward, EVK

Los Angeles, CA

$25.50/hr

The team at USC Hospitality is led by innovative executive chefs and directors who strive every day ... USC has great minds that transform the world with their talents and research. Will you be one? Join ...

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Contractual Research Chef information

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$46K

$83.8K

$133K

How much do contractual research chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for contractual research chef in the United States is $83,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $117,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contractual Research Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contractual Research Chef, you need expertise in culinary techniques, recipe development, and food science, often supported by a culinary arts degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with laboratory kitchen equipment, food safety standards, and recipe management software is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and strong collaboration skills help a Research Chef excel in developing innovative food products and working with cross-functional teams. These abilities are crucial for creating market-ready recipes that meet quality, safety, and client expectations within project timelines.

What is the difference between Contractual Research Chef vs Contractual Research Chef?

AspectContractual Research Chef

Since the comparison is with itself, there is no difference between Contractual Research Chef and Contractual Research Chef. They are the same role, focusing on preparing research-based culinary projects on a contractual basis, often in food development or product testing within the food industry. Both roles typically require culinary certifications, experience in food research, and work in environments like food labs or development kitchens. This role is commonly used by food companies, research institutions, and culinary consultancies.

What are some common challenges faced by Contractual Research Chefs when working with diverse clients or food brands?

Contractual Research Chefs often face the challenge of quickly adapting to the unique needs and expectations of different clients or brands. Each project may require working with new ingredients, cuisines, or food technologies, which demands flexibility and rapid learning. Additionally, balancing creativity with strict client briefs, timelines, and budget constraints can be demanding. Effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as marketing and product development, are crucial for success in this dynamic environment.

What is a Contractual Research Chef?

A Contractual Research Chef is a culinary professional who is hired on a contract basis to develop new recipes, test food concepts, and innovate menu items for restaurants, food manufacturers, or other culinary businesses. Unlike regular chefs, they focus primarily on experimentation, food science, and product development rather than daily kitchen operations. Their work often involves collaborating with R&D teams, food scientists, and marketing departments to create unique and marketable food products. Contractual Research Chefs may also help optimize recipes for mass production while maintaining flavor, texture, and nutritional standards.
What cities are hiring for Contractual Research Chef jobs? Cities with the most Contractual Research Chef job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Chef jobs? The most popular types of Research Chef jobs are:
What states have the most Contractual Research Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Contractual Research Chef jobs include:
Contractual Research Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contractual Research Chef job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 48% Full Time, 49% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,794 per year, or $40.3 per hour.
Guest Services - Floater

Guest Services - Floater

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

University Of Southern California rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 537 rated colleges and universities

Job description

From fine dining restaurants to residential dining, USC Hospitality serves thousands of students, athletes, faculty, and staff, as well as our many visitors. Hospitality is one of the six core business units that comprise USC Auxiliary Services and one of the largest employers on campus. We are renowned for our fresh take on self-operated food concepts with restaurants between both campuses. The team at USC Hospitality is led by innovative executive chefs and directors who strive every day to craft nourishing and wholesome alternatives for our hungry Trojan Family and our guests. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the Trojan campus count on USC Hospitality to provide a fresh, made-to-order, nourishing meal. Amidst all of the hustle and bustle of student life, our eateries are the ideal social gathering locations to grab a quick bite or enjoy a group meal. We are driven to succeed by our commitment to uphold our unifying values.
We are seeking to build a pool of candidates for future Guest Services - Floater positions to join our rapidly growing team. This position will work in multiple locations and will not have a set schedule.
The Opportunity:
Customer service is our number one priority, and the Guest Services Representative Floater will be responsible for upholding our high standards of excellence as you welcome our guests. You will help to ensure that our energetic, friendly, hardworking, and warm work environment flows throughout the kitchen and dining room. As a Guest Services Representative, you have the opportunity to provide an exceptional experience for every guest that walks in our door and leave them with a lasting impression.
The Accountabilities:
  • Provide customer services to faculty, staff, students, and guests. Meet and greet guests. Provide necessary information to guests.
  • Perform sales transactions utilizing department standards and policies.
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the facilities, equipment, and service wear.
  • Assist in set-up and break-down of coffee stations and product displays.
  • Stock and maintain all supplies, food items, and utensils.
  • Provide basic hot and cold food and beverage preparation service.
  • Serve food and beverages to customers.
  • Assemble and package food and beverage products.
  • Interpret and execute directions and requests on Banquet Event Order forms.
  • Provides basic audio-visual service and support.
  • Open and close facilities as required.
  • Assist in kitchen sanitation program. Comply with standard food handling and sanitation procedures.
  • Adhere to department service standards and to all health, safety and university rules and regulations.
  • Attend and participate in meetings as required.
  • Report to station, ready to work at the time work assignment is scheduled to begin.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

The Qualifiers:
  • Education: High School degree not required.
  • Experience: 0 - 6 months.
    • Demonstrated customer service experience.
    • Cash handling and barista experience in a fast-paced environment.
    • Ability to communicate effectively in English.
    • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
    • Must have open availability.

What We Prefer:
  • Education: High School Diploma.
  • Experience: 1 year in high volume fast food restaurant/hotel or other food service operation.

The Trojan Family Rewards:
We pride ourselves in creating the BEST USC EXPERIENCE, and that begins with our employees! We offer a wide variety of benefits and programs that support our staff and their families. For more information please visit https://employees.usc.edu/benefits-perks
This support advocates work-life balance and employee well-being. As members of the Trojan family, employees are connected by the traditions and history that make us proud to be Trojans!
The work culture thrives on mutual respect, trust, and synergy amongst all of its members.
USC has great minds that transform the world with their talents and research. Will you be one? Join us!
FIGHT ON!
The hourly rate for this position is $20.00. When determining an offer, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills, internal peer alignment, applicable laws, contractual requirements, grant funding, and market conditions.
Minimum Education: High School degree not required
Minimum Experience: 0 - 6 months
Minimum Field of Expertise: Demonstrated customer service experience. Experience working in a fast paced working environment. Ability to effectively communicate in English. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Demonstrated cash handling skills. Knowledge of food handling and sanitation procedures.
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:
https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$135397.htmld

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About University of Southern California

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Southern California (USC) is not a conventional company, but a private research university established in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, US. Founded in 1880, it's one of the oldest private research universities in California. USC operates in the education industry providing primary services of higher education, research, and community development. This prestigious institution offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The University is guided by its commitment to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and discovery through academic excellence.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles , CA, US

Year founded

1880

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