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Entry Level Food Research Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

R&D Food Technician

Warrendale, PA

$27/hr

... Biology, Research & development, Formulation, Quality control, Troubleshooting, Food science ... Entry Level Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Warrendale, PA.

UPSIDE Foods

Food Process Engineer I

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Research & development of food processes for novel food technologies * Plan and execute experiments to optimize product and process, utilizing statistical experiment design when needed. * Source ...

UPSIDE Foods

Food Process Engineer I

Emeryville, CA

$100K - $120K/yr

Research & development of food processes for novel food technologies * Plan and execute experiments to optimize product and process, utilizing statistical experiment design when needed. * Source ...

UPSIDE Foods

Food Process Engineer I

Emeryville, CA

$100K - $120K/yr

Research & development of food processes for novel food technologies * Plan and execute experiments to optimize product and process, utilizing statistical experiment design when needed. * Source ...

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Entry Level Food Research Development information

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How much do entry level food research development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level food research development in the United States is $26.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Food Research Development professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Food Research Development professional, you generally need a background in food science, chemistry, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, sensory analysis tools, and food safety regulations such as HACCP is typically required. Curiosity, attention to detail, and effective team communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, innovative product development and successful collaboration with cross-functional teams in a regulated industry.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level professionals in Food Research and Development, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level professionals in Food Research and Development often face challenges such as adapting to fast-paced project timelines, balancing creativity with strict food safety regulations, and learning to work effectively within cross-functional teams. To overcome these challenges, it's important to stay organized, seek guidance from experienced colleagues, and proactively communicate any uncertainties. Embracing continuous learning, especially about new ingredients and technologies, also helps in building confidence and contributing more effectively to innovative product development.

What are entry level food research development jobs?

Entry level food research development jobs involve assisting in the creation and improvement of food products. People in these roles typically work in laboratories or test kitchens, supporting senior scientists with tasks like conducting experiments, collecting data, and analyzing ingredients. They help develop new recipes, enhance food safety, and improve the taste, texture, or nutritional value of foods. These positions often require a background in food science or a related field and offer opportunities to learn hands-on research and product development skills.

What is the difference between Entry Level Food Research Development vs Food Quality Assurance Technician?

AspectEntry Level Food Research DevelopmentFood Quality Assurance Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Food Science, Nutrition, or related fieldBachelor's in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D facilities, product development settingsManufacturing plants, quality control labs, production lines
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, R&D departments, product innovation teamsFood manufacturing, processing plants, quality assurance departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles require a background in food science and involve working within the food industry, Entry Level Food Research Development focuses on creating and testing new products in labs, whereas Food Quality Assurance Technicians primarily ensure existing products meet quality and safety standards on production lines.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Food Research Development jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Food Research Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Research Development jobs? The most popular types of Food Research Development jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Food Research Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Food Research Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Food Research Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Food Research Development jobs are:
Entry Level Food Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Food Research Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,192 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Research & Development Associate

Research & Development Associate

Little Leaf Farms LLC

Mcadoo, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description:

Little Leaf Farms is on a mission to transform the way food is grown. As an R&D Associate you will be a critical member of the team who will oversee and conduct projects and trials with the goals of portfolio diversification and process optimization. You will work not only with the R&D team, but also a global network of leading horticulture companies to drive innovation for the company and stay on the cutting edge of CEA technology.


Roles and Responsibilities

  • Initial training period on growing and greenhouse procedures including but not limited to climate control strategy, fertilizer management, and biocontrol programs
  • Oversight of trials including experimental design, data collection, analysis, and reporting
  • Help to create R&D Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Stay up to date on current CEA literature with an understanding of how the information could be beneficial to the company
  • Collaboration with other departments
Requirements:

Required Education, Experience, and Skills

  • Basic plant science knowledge
  • Basic statistics
  • Microsoft Office - Proficient with Excel
  • Time management and ability to work independently
  • Strong attention to detail, ability to learn quickly, adaptability, problem solving mentality, high level of critical thinking
  • 1 year experience greenhouse work
  • Passion for CEA and future of the industry
  • Ability to work in a hot and humid greenhouse environment for multiple hours a day

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Science (ex. Plant Science, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Bioengineering)
  • Basic knowledge of computer language and syntax (ex. R, python)
  • Research experience

Apply