ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Food Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Michelson Laboratories, Inc

Food Chemist

Commerce, CA · On-site

... direct work activities; attention to detail · Time Management - ability to achieve results within expected time periods This Food Chemist position is a full-time position. Must have a flexible ...

New

House-Autry Mills

Food Scientist

Four Oaks, NC · On-site

We are looking for a Food Chemist/Food Scientist who is responsible for the research, development ... directing and problem solving * Must be able to work evenings and weekends when, and if, workload ...

Eurofins USA Food Testing

Chemist I

New Berlin, WI

From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins works with ... Position Summary: The Chemist I performs testing activities directed by Department Manager ...

Cargill

Food Safety Quality Chemist

Saint Clair, MI · On-site

Job Purpose and Impact The Food Safety Quality Chemist, will ensure products meet or exceed ... Handle basic issues and problems under direct supervision, while escalating more complex issues to ...

Cargill

Food Safety Quality Chemist

Saint Clair, MI

Job Purpose and Impact The Food Safety Quality Chemist, will ensure products meet or exceed ... Handle basic issues and problems under direct supervision, while escalating more complex issues to ...

Cargill

Food Safety Quality Chemist

Saint Clair, MI · On-site

Job Purpose and Impact The Food Safety Quality Chemist, will ensure products meet or exceed ... Handle basic issues and problems under direct supervision, while escalating more complex issues to ...

Cargill

Food Safety Quality Associate Chemist

Wahpeton, ND · On-site

$22.50 - $29.75/hr

Job Purpose and Impact The Food Safety Quality Associate Chemist, will ensure products meet or ... Handle basic issues and problems under direct supervision, while escalating more complex issues to ...

Cargill

Food Safety Quality Chemist

Saint Clair, MI · On-site

Job Purpose and Impact The Food Safety Quality Chemist, will ensure products meet or exceed ... Handle basic issues and problems under direct supervision, while escalating more complex issues to ...

Cargill

Food Safety Quality Associate Chemist

Wahpeton, ND · On-site

$22.50 - $29.75/hr

Job Purpose and Impact The Food Safety Quality Associate Chemist, will ensure products meet or ... Handle basic issues and problems under direct supervision, while escalating more complex issues to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Chemist JobsDirector Food Chemist Jobs

Director Food Chemist information

See salary details

$18

$31

$49

How much do director food chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for director food chemist in the United States is $31.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director food chemist do?

A Director Food Chemist oversees the development, testing, and quality control of food products to ensure safety, compliance, and innovation within a food manufacturing or research organization. They lead teams of chemists and food scientists, design experiments, analyze food composition, and implement new technologies or processes. Additionally, they collaborate with regulatory agencies to meet food safety standards and often play a key role in product development and improvement strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director food chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Food Chemist, you need advanced expertise in food chemistry, analytical methods, and regulatory compliance, typically backed by a master's or doctoral degree in chemistry or food science. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, quality assurance systems, and certifications such as HACCP or SQF is crucial. Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help drive innovation and manage cross-functional teams effectively. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring product safety, fostering scientific advancement, and maintaining competitiveness in the food industry.

What are the typical challenges faced by a director food chemist when leading cross-functional product development teams?

A Director Food Chemist often navigates challenges such as balancing innovation with regulatory compliance, aligning R&D objectives with marketing and operational goals, and managing timelines across departments. Coordinating communication between chemists, food technologists, quality assurance, and business stakeholders is essential to ensure everyone is on the same page. Additionally, addressing unforeseen technical hurdles or ingredient sourcing issues requires adaptability and proactive problem-solving.

What is the difference between Director Food Chemist vs Food Chemist?

AspectDirector Food ChemistFood Chemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Food Science, Chemistry; extensive experienceBachelor's or Master's in Food Science or Chemistry
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in R&D, quality assurance, managementLaboratory, production facilities, research settings
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing companies, large food corporationsFood companies, research labs, quality control departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Director Food Chemist and a Food Chemist lies in their responsibilities and seniority. The Director Food Chemist typically oversees entire departments, manages teams, and sets strategic goals, while a Food Chemist focuses on conducting experiments, analyzing food products, and supporting product development. Both roles require strong backgrounds in food science and chemistry, but the Director position involves more leadership and management duties.

Are food chemists in demand?

Food chemists are in demand due to the growing focus on food safety, quality, and product development. They often work in manufacturing, research labs, and regulatory agencies, requiring strong analytical skills and knowledge of chemistry and food science. Employment prospects are generally favorable with opportunities for advancement in the food industry.

What cities are hiring for Director Food Chemist jobs?

Cities with the most Director Food Chemist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Chemist jobs?

The most popular types of Food Chemist jobs are:

What states have the most Director Food Chemist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Director Food Chemist jobs include:

Director Food Chemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Food Chemist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,525 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Food Chemist

Michelson Laboratories, Inc

Commerce, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Benefits

  • 401(k)
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
  • Dental insurance


Full job description

Michelson Laboratories is a leading food testing laboratory based in Southern California. Since 1970, Michelson Laboratories has provided efficient testing and analyses to an extensive spectrum of customers. We have a broad-based background and are thoroughly proficient in a diverse range of industries.

Our Chemistry Laboratory provides a wide range of services and is staffed with industry leading chemists. We are expanding our Chemistry department in our Commerce location and are looking for a Food Chemist. The Chemist will be responsible for performing analytical testing of food products.

Responsibilities for Senior Chemist:

·Review and approve data for Nutritional Labeling requests for various food products

Perform titrations, extractions and analyze data for antibiotic residues, carcinogens, and other harmful chemical compounds

-Troubleshoot and operate analytical instruments such as LC/MS/MS, HPLC, GC-MS, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, etc.

-Troubleshoot or implement new test methods, ensure overall compliance to all regulatory and QA/QC requirements

-Act as technical resource to other analysts within the department and to our clients

-Prepare and review data packages/reports for reporting

-Assist with special projects, method development and optimization

-Review and update Standard Operating Procedures as needed.

· Preparation of chemical reagents, standards, and samples for analysis

· Maintaining detailed records of testing, quality activities, and chemical preparations

· Ensure all analyses meet the turnaround time

· Other duties as needed

Qualifications for Senior Chemist:

· Master's Degree in Food Science, Analytical Chemistry, or other related sciences required.

· Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills

· Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with minimal direction and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities

· Ability to organize, prioritize and direct work activities; attention to detail

· Time Management - ability to achieve results within expected time periods

This Food Chemist position is a full-time position. Must have a flexible schedule and be available to work weekends, holidays and overtime as needed.

Michelson Laboratories, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Apply