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Dairy Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Food Science at Penn State, a nationally recognized leader in dairy educational programs and research, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position ...

Actalent

Sr. R&D Food Scientist

Racine, WI · On-site

$33.65 - $38.46/hr

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or a related field. * 3-5 years of experience in a related field, preferably in food science, biotechnology, or enzyme ...

Valley Milk LLC

Plant Manager

Turlock, CA

$170K - $190K/yr

... Science, Dairy Science, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, specialized training, and progressively responsible ...

Meijer, Inc.

Quality Manager - Dairy

Tipp City, OH · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field, or equivalent experience. * 5+ years of quality leadership experience in dairy manufacturing ...

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Dairy Science information

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$24.5K

$48.4K

$79K

How much do dairy science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for dairy science in the United States is $48,391.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Dairy Science vs Dairy Technologist?

AspectDairy ScienceDairy Technologist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Dairy Science or related fieldAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Dairy Technology or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, farms, processing plantsProcessing facilities, quality control labs
Industry UsageAcademic, research, and industry roles in dairy productionOperational roles in dairy processing and quality assurance

While both Dairy Science and Dairy Technologist roles focus on dairy products, Dairy Science is broader, emphasizing research, development, and education, whereas Dairy Technologists typically work directly in processing and quality control. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path within the dairy industry.

What is the highest paying job in agricultural science?

In agricultural science, senior roles such as agricultural managers, research directors, or specialized consultants tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong leadership or technical skills, and they typically offer higher compensation compared to entry-level roles.

What Are Jobs in Dairy Science?

Jobs in dairy science include everything from working as a veterinarian to farm and ranch management. As a dairy scientist, you research the production of milk on a farm. Your responsibilities include working closely with an animal as a vet or dairy farm worker to understand any issues surrounding its lactation. Other duties involve studying milk yields, improving animal welfare, and keeping animals healthy on a farm or ranch. Some dairy scientists work for drug companies to develop medicines and supplements for dairy cows. You can also work in a federal, state, or local agricultural department, creating policy involving the dairy industry.

How much do dairy scientists make?

Dairy scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in research or management can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually.

What is dairy science?

Dairy science is the study of the production, handling, and processing of milk and dairy products. This field covers a range of topics including animal genetics, nutrition, milk quality, and dairy farm management. Professionals in dairy science work to improve the health and productivity of dairy animals, ensure the safety and quality of dairy foods, and develop new dairy products. Careers in dairy science can be found in research, farm management, quality assurance, and food technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Dairy Science, and why are they important?

To thrive in Dairy Science, you need a solid background in animal biology, nutrition, and dairy production management, often supported by a degree in animal or dairy science. Familiarity with dairy herd management software, laboratory analysis tools, and knowledge of regulatory standards are typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail are important soft skills for optimizing herd health and productivity. These abilities are crucial to ensuring efficient, sustainable dairy operations and high-quality milk production.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Dairy Science roles, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in Dairy Science often encounter challenges such as maintaining herd health, ensuring milk quality, and adapting to evolving regulations and technologies. Managing animal welfare and optimizing production efficiency can require close collaboration with veterinarians, nutritionists, and farm staff. Staying current with best practices and technological advancements, such as automated milking systems or data-driven herd management tools, is essential. Many dairy scientists participate in ongoing professional development and work as part of multidisciplinary teams to address these challenges effectively.

What is the highest paying animal science career?

In animal science, careers such as veterinary anesthesiologists, animal nutritionists, and research scientists tend to have the highest salaries. These roles often require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and work in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, or large agricultural firms.

What does a dairy scientist do?

A dairy scientist researches and develops methods to improve dairy products, ensure quality, and optimize production processes. They analyze milk and dairy products for safety, composition, and quality using laboratory tools and scientific techniques, often working in laboratories or production facilities.
More about Dairy Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Dairy Science jobs? Cities with the most Dairy Science job openings:
What states have the most Dairy Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Dairy Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Dairy Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Dairy Science jobs are:
Dairy Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dairy Science job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,391 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
Associate Principal Scientist - Coffee Partnership Product Development

Associate Principal Scientist - Coffee Partnership Product Development

PepsiCo

Valhalla, NY • On-site

$93K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

PepsiCo rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 867 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

142nd of 401 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Overview

Role: As an Associate Principal Scientist on the North American Coffee Partnership (NACP), you will have the unique opportunity to be a member of the partnership between two market leaders to develop & commercialize Ready-to-Drink coffee innovation.  Utilizing your passion, creativity, and technical skills, you will be looked upon to lead and contribute to our continued efforts to grow and expand the RTD Coffee platform in North America.


Responsibilities
  • Lead the product development process from ideation to launch, including development of benchtop prototypes, implementation and maintenance of stability testing, exploring results in consumer research, and translating product development efforts from concept to scale up and commercialization.
  • Provide product formulation and dairy based ingredients expertise to assist team in developing RTD beverages that are safe, stable, legal, and meet consumer needs.
  • Lead and assess technical feasibility and product development activities across multiple thermal process platforms i.e. low acid retort, low and high acid aseptic, low acid ESL, and tunnel pasteurization.
  • Balance multiple projects and provide technical guidance (focused on dairy applications) and bench development for existing & future RTD platforms.
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships across technical and non-technical functions, including Starbucks partners, to lead and influence cross functional teams to align on and achieve project objectives.
  • Conduct trouble shooting and root cause analysis for brand maintenance issues at bench and plant level.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • The expected compensation range for this position is between $93,500 - $156,450.
  • Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
  • Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 10% of annual salary paid out annually.
  • Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
  • In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

Qualifications

Critical Competencies:

  • The successful candidate will be experienced in scientific research or consumer goods development, & demonstrate the following skills:
  • Must have experience with fluid dairy (development, applications, &/or processing)
  • Analytical thinking / Problem solving / Experimental design
  • Presentation skills (verbal and written)
  • Highly organized and self-motivated
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Drive for results
  • Manage ambiguity 

Education & Experience:

Required:

  • Minimum B.S. in Food Science (or related field with at least partial focus on Dairy Science)
  • 4-8 years in product development or associated R&D functions, or conducting scientific research
  • Experience with fluid dairy, either through scientific research or food/beverage development, applications, &/or processing
  • Demonstrated competency in understanding ingredient functionality, specifically fluid & processed dairy 

Desired:

  • Dairy Science (and knowledge of dairy chemistry) background preferred
  • Previous technical experience in dairy-based research, beverage development, and/or dairy processing
  • Previous RTD beverage product development & thermal process experience utilizing dairy ingredients
  • Familiarity with dairy quality programs and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
     

EEO Statement

Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity / Age
If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.
Please view our Pay Transparency Statement. 

Qualifications:

Critical Competencies:

  • The successful candidate will be experienced in scientific research or consumer goods development, & demonstrate the following skills:
  • Must have experience with fluid dairy (development, applications, &/or processing)
  • Analytical thinking / Problem solving / Experimental design
  • Presentation skills (verbal and written)
  • Highly organized and self-motivated
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Drive for results
  • Manage ambiguity 

Education & Experience:

Required:

  • Minimum B.S. in Food Science (or related field with at least partial focus on Dairy Science)
  • 4-8 years in product development or associated R&D functions, or conducting scientific research
  • Experience with fluid dairy, either through scientific research or food/beverage development, applications, &/or processing
  • Demonstrated competency in understanding ingredient functionality, specifically fluid & processed dairy 

Desired:

  • Dairy Science (and knowledge of dairy chemistry) background preferred
  • Previous technical experience in dairy-based research, beverage development, and/or dairy processing
  • Previous RTD beverage product development & thermal process experience utilizing dairy ingredients
  • Familiarity with dairy quality programs and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
     
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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About PepsiCo

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated $86 billion in net revenue in 2022, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Purchase, NY, US

Year founded

1965

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