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Culinary Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Food Scientist

Horn Lake, MS ยท On-site

$75 - $90/hr

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Culinary Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field * Minimum of 5-8 years of relevant experience (level will be based on experience) * Strong communication ...

A Degree in Culinary Arts or Food Science and/or restaurant or culinary experience * Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist, a plus * Years and Type of Related Experience Required

Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Culinary Science, Chemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Nutrition, or a related applied science. Equivalent combinations of relevant education ...

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How much do culinary scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary scientist in the United States is $90,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary scientist?

A Culinary Scientist blends food science and culinary arts to develop new food products, improve recipes, and enhance food safety and quality. They work in research labs, test kitchens, or food manufacturing companies to apply scientific principles to cooking and food production. Their work involves experimenting with ingredients, textures, and flavors to optimize food products for consumers. Culinary Scientists may collaborate with chefs, nutritionists, and food engineers to innovate and solve industry challenges.

What are some common challenges faced by culinary scientists in product development?

Culinary Scientists often face the challenge of balancing taste, texture, and appearance with nutritional and regulatory requirements when developing new food products. They must frequently troubleshoot ingredient interactions, shelf-life stability, and scalability from kitchen prototypes to mass production. The role regularly requires cross-department collaboration with marketing, quality assurance, and manufacturing teams to ensure product feasibility and consistency. Overcoming these challenges not only requires scientific expertise, but also adaptability and strong problem-solving skills, making the work both demanding and highly rewarding.

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

To thrive as a Culinary Scientist, you need a solid background in food science, culinary arts, and chemistry, often supported by a relevant degree such as food science or culinary technology. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, food safety certifications (like HACCP), and analytical software is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help Culinary Scientists excel, especially when collaborating on cross-functional teams. These abilities are crucial for successfully developing innovative food products that meet both quality standards and consumer preferences.

Do food scientists make a lot of money?

Food scientists, including culinary scientists, typically earn a median annual salary around $70,000, with salaries varying based on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those in research and development may offer higher compensation, and certifications or specialized skills can also influence earning potential.

How do you become a culinary scientist?

To become a culinary scientist, typically a bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, or a related field is required, along with experience in food development or research. Skills in food safety, laboratory techniques, and sensory evaluation are important, and advanced roles may require a master's or doctorate degree.

What does a culinary scientist do?

A culinary scientist researches and develops new food products, flavors, and cooking techniques by applying scientific principles to improve taste, texture, and safety. They often work in food laboratories, using tools like sensory analysis and food chemistry to innovate and ensure product quality.

What jobs can you get with a culinary scientist degree?

A culinary scientist can work in roles such as food product developer, research chef, sensory scientist, or food technologist. These positions involve developing new food products, improving existing recipes, and applying scientific principles to food safety and quality, often requiring knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, and laboratory techniques.
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Infographic showing various Culinary Scientist 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 $90,961 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Lecturer in Food and Culinary Science

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN โ€ข On-site

$65K - $77K/yr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and conduct laboratory and classroom activities that develop mastery of culinary skills and understanding of food science principles.

  • Develop and implement methods to evaluate students' competency in creating and preparing safe and acceptable foods, and support students in designing and executing experimental plans in culinary and food science.

  • Design and conduct course activities that create a welcoming climate for people from diverse cultures and enable proficiency in preparing foods from diverse backgrounds.


Job description

About the Job
 

Lecturer in Food and Culinary Science
Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
Position: The University of Minnesota invites applications for a part-time lectureship in food and culinary science in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences.
Description: This position is a part-time, 9-months, annually renewable position for the academic year in culinary and food science teaching. The appointment contract dates are August 31st , 2026, to May 30th , 2027. Appointment is initially for one year but may be continued depending on performance and needs.


The appointee will be expected to:

  • develop and conduct laboratory and classroom activities that develop mastery of culinary skills and understanding of food science principles,
  • develop and implement methods to evaluate the competency of students to create and prepare safe and acceptable foods, support students in designing and executing an experimental plan in culinary and food science,
  • develop and implement laboratory and classroom activities within a course that will create a welcoming climate for people from diverse cultures,
    design and conduct course activities that enable people to become proficient preparing foods from diverse cultures.

The appointment may vary from year to year but will typically be between 50 and 80% of a full-time appointment.

Qualifications
 

Required Qualifications
MS in food science, culinary science, nutrition or closely related field. Professional experience in working in the food service industry or similar. ServSafe certification. Strong culinary skills. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications
Evidence of ability to work independently and in collaboration with interdisciplinary team members, evidence of effective classroom and laboratory teaching, evidence of undergraduate student mentorship.

About the Department
 

The Department of Food Science and Nutrition creates and shares knowledge to ensure a safe, healthy, and appealing food supply that supports the well-being and prosperity of people and the environment. The Department creates an environment welcoming of all cultural backgrounds and fosters an organizational culture of collaboration, innovation, entrepreneurship, and shared leadership. As food, health and well-being have a central place in all communities, we hold ourselves accountable to creating an academic environment that both reflects and contributes to our 21st century pluralistic society. In accordance with our history as an 1862 land-grant university, we continue to create an environment of teaching, research and outreach that serves all communities and stakeholders with respect and dignity.

Pay and Benefits
 

Pay Range: $65,000 to $77,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Time Appointment: 50% to 80% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
  • Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
  • Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • University HSA contributions
  • Disability and employer-paid life insurance
  • Employee wellbeing program
  • Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
  • Financial counseling services 
  • Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
  • Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply
 

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

Applications must include the following: (1) cover letter detailed your motivation for the position as well as commitment to diversity and inclusion; (2) detailed CV/resume; (3) names and contact information for three professional references (reference letters should only be provided upon request). Combine all parts of the application (i.e., letter, CV, statements, etc.) into a single document before uploading. 

For questions or inquiries about the position, please contact the Head of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dr. Johan B. Ubbink (email: jubbink@umn.edu).

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity
 

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements
 

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota
 

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.