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Culinary Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Specialist

Providence, RI · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs ... Interest in cooking, home economics, health, mathematics, accounting, and chemistry. FUTURE ...

Culinary Specialist

Boston, MA · On-site

$38K - $51K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST (PART-TIME) Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work ... Interest in cooking, home economics, health, mathematics, accounting, and chemistry. FUTURE ...

Culinary Specialist

Brockton, MA · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST (PART TIME) Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work ... Interest in cooking, home economics, health, mathematics, accounting, and chemistry. FUTURE ...

Culinary Specialist

Manchester, NH · On-site

$34K - $45K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST (PART-TIME) Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work ... Interest in cooking, home economics, health, mathematics, accounting, and chemistry. FUTURE ...

Culinary Specialist

Manchester, NH · On-site

$34K - $45K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST (PART TIME) Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work ... Interest in cooking, home economics, health, mathematics, accounting, and chemistry. FUTURE ...

Culinary Specialist

Lowell, MA · On-site

$34K - $46K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST (PART TIME) Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work ... Interest in cooking, home economics, health, mathematics, accounting, and chemistry. FUTURE ...

Culinary Specialist

Lowell, MA · On-site

$34K - $46K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs ... Interest in cooking, home economics, health, mathematics, accounting, and chemistry. FUTURE ...

Culinary Specialist

Bangor, ME · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST (PART TIME) Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work ... Interest in cooking, home economics, health, mathematics, accounting, and chemistry. FUTURE ...

Culinary Specialist

Providence, RI · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST (PART TIME) Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work ... Interest in cooking, home economics, health, mathematics, accounting, and chemistry. FUTURE ...

Culinary Specialist - Army

Brockton, MA · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs ... Interest in cooking, home economics, health, mathematics, accounting, and chemistry. FUTURE ...

Culinary Specialist - Army

Bangor, ME · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST (PART TIME) Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work ... Interest in cooking, home economics, health, mathematics, accounting, and chemistry. FUTURE ...

Culinary Specialist - Army

Boston, MA · On-site

$38K - $51K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs ... Interest in cooking, home economics, health, mathematics, accounting, and chemistry. FUTURE ...

Working in an interdisciplinary environment that integrates culinary and baking and pastry arts with fundamental and applied sciences such as food science, nutrition, chemistry, biology, and ...

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Culinary Chemist information

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How much do culinary chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary chemist in the United States is $30.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary chemist?

Culinary chemists, also known as food chemists, are professionals who study the chemical processes and interactions of all biological and non-biological components of foods. They work to improve food quality, safety, flavor, and nutritional value by analyzing ingredients, developing new products, and ensuring food meets regulatory standards. Culinary chemists often collaborate with chefs and food manufacturers to create innovative recipes, optimize textures, and enhance shelf life. Their expertise bridges the gap between science and cooking, making food both safe and enjoyable for consumers.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a culinary chemist?

To excel as a Culinary Chemist, you need a strong background in food science, chemistry, and culinary techniques, typically supported by a degree in food science, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, food analysis tools, and software for data collection and recipe development is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills are crucial for developing innovative food products and ensuring quality. These skills are vital for creating safe, appealing, and scientifically sound food innovations in the competitive food industry.

What are common challenges culinary chemists face when developing new food products?

Culinary Chemists often encounter challenges such as achieving the desired flavor profile while maintaining food safety and shelf stability. Balancing creativity with strict regulatory requirements can be complex, especially when introducing novel ingredients. Additionally, coordinating with chefs, food scientists, and production teams requires strong communication skills to ensure the final product meets both culinary and manufacturing standards. Rapidly changing consumer preferences can also necessitate quick adaptation and continuous learning.

What is the difference between Culinary Chemist vs Food Scientist?

AspectCulinary ChemistFood Scientist
CredentialsDegree in Food Science, Chemistry, or related fieldDegree in Food Science, Chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentKitchen labs, food development facilitiesResearch labs, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageFood product development, flavor creationFood safety, quality control, product analysis

Both Culinary Chemists and Food Scientists have similar educational backgrounds and often work in food research environments. However, Culinary Chemists focus more on developing new recipes, flavors, and food experiences in a culinary setting, while Food Scientists typically work on food safety, quality assurance, and large-scale product development. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How do I become a culinary chemist?

To become a culinary chemist, typically a bachelor's degree in chemistry, food science, or a related field is required. Gaining experience in food formulation, laboratory skills, and understanding of food safety standards is important, and advanced roles may require a master's or doctorate degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment and food industry regulations is also beneficial.
More about Culinary Chemist jobs
Infographic showing various Culinary Chemist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,466 per year, or $31 per hour.

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Location: Northbrook, IL
Department: Shared Technical Services – Analytical
Employment Type: Regular Full-Time

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. is seeking an Analytical Chemist II to join our Shared Technical Services – Analytical team in Northbrook, IL. This role supports analytical research for selecting Flavor, Fragrance, and Quality Control projects involving a wide range of sample types, including consumer goods, flavors, fragrances, raw materials, fresh culinary preparations, and botanicals.

The Analytical Chemist II will perform sample preparation, operate analytical instrumentation, analyze and interpret data, prepare reports, and communicate results to internal and external stakeholders. This position requires strong technical expertise, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments while maintaining a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform analytical research for Flavor, Fragrance, and QC projects, including method selection, sample preparation, instrumentation operation, data analysis, interpretation, reporting, and result communication.
  • Operate, maintain, and assist with troubleshooting chromatographic instrumentation, including GC-FID, GC-MS, LC-MS, and HPLC-MS.
  • Support method optimization, chromatographic analysis, and sampling techniques.
  • Participate in organoleptic evaluations as determined by project teams and the Sensory Department.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, QC, Sales, Evaluation, and customer-facing project teams.
  • Create and maintain paper and electronic product folders.
  • Maintain and order laboratory supplies, inventory, and equipment consumables.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment while following company safety guidelines and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Support Bell’s quality, food safety, and compliance programs, including GMPs, HACCP, SQF, Kosher, Halal, FDA, USDA, EPA, DOT, DEA, FSMA, and other applicable requirements.

 Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Food Science, or a related scientific field.
  • 3–5 years of related analytical chemistry experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience in the flavor or fragrance industry preferred.
  • Experience operating and troubleshooting chromatographic and laboratory instrumentation, including GC-FID, GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC-UV, HPLC-RI, HPLC/MS, SPME, headspace techniques, and thermal desorption.
  • Working knowledge of laboratory software and Microsoft Office applications.
  • Experience with ChemStation, MassHunter, AMDIS, and NIST preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical troubleshooting skills.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage timelines and communicate results effectively.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with cross-functional teams.
  • Knowledge of chemistry laboratory SOPs and safe laboratory practices.

Why Join Us?

  • Competitive Salary range $90K -$100K
  • Be part of a collaborative team dedicated to innovation and quality.
  • We offer opportunities for professional growth and a supportive work environment.
  • Full-time employees are eligible for Bell’s comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, 401K, and additional benefit programs in accordance with plan eligibility requirements.