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Entry Level Food Science Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

We're always looking towards the future, anticipating changes in medical science and technology ... What You'll Work On This is an entry-level sales position in the EP Product Division. The EP ...

We're always looking towards the future, anticipating changes in medical science and technology ... What You'll Work On This is an entry-level sales position in the EP Product Division. The EP ...

We're always looking towards the future, anticipating changes in medical science and technology ... What You'll Work On This is an entry-level sales position in the EP Product Division. The EP ...

Eng I, Process Eng

Covington, VA · On-site

$69K - $115K/yr

... food products), as well as commercial printing applications (greeting cards, lottery tickets ... As an Entry-Level Process Engineer, you would provide technical services in monitoring ...

Entry Level Food Science information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$22

$33

How much do entry level food science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level food science in Virginia is $22.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Food Science vs Entry Level Food Technologist?

AspectEntry Level Food ScienceEntry Level Food Technologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Food Science, Chemistry, or related fieldBachelor's in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, production facilities, research settingsManufacturing plants, quality control labs, R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, research institutions, government agenciesFood manufacturing, processing companies, quality assurance teams
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Food Science and Entry Level Food Technologist roles often overlap in education and work environment, focusing on food safety, quality, and product development. The main difference lies in terminology used by employers and industry preferences, but both positions serve as foundational roles in food industry careers.

Where would you start as an entry level job in the food industry?

Entry level food science positions often begin in roles such as quality assurance technician, production assistant, or lab technician, where basic knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and testing procedures is required. These roles typically involve working in manufacturing or laboratory environments and may require familiarity with industry regulations and safety protocols.

What are entry level food science jobs?

Entry level food science jobs are positions for individuals who are new to the field of food science, often requiring a bachelor's degree in food science or a related field. These roles typically involve assisting with product development, quality assurance, food safety, laboratory testing, or regulatory compliance in food production environments. Common job titles include food technologist, quality assurance technician, and laboratory assistant. These positions provide foundational experience and training, preparing employees for more advanced roles within the food industry.

What kind of job can I get with a food science degree?

With a food science degree, you can pursue roles such as food technologist, quality assurance specialist, product development scientist, or food safety analyst. These jobs typically involve working in laboratories, manufacturing facilities, or research settings, often requiring knowledge of food processing, safety standards, and laboratory techniques.

Can I be a food scientist without a degree?

Becoming a food scientist typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. While some entry-level positions may accept relevant experience or certifications, most employers prefer candidates with formal education and knowledge of laboratory techniques and food safety standards.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Food Scientist, you generally need a bachelor’s degree in food science or a related field, along with foundational knowledge in chemistry, microbiology, and food safety. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, quality assurance protocols, and software for data analysis such as Excel or specialized lab management systems is typical. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help individuals excel in team environments and manage project tasks efficiently. These competencies are vital for ensuring product safety, quality, and regulatory compliance within the food industry.

What are some typical projects or tasks an entry-level food scientist can expect to work on during their first year?

As an entry-level food scientist, you will often assist with product development, quality assurance testing, and sensory evaluations. Your daily tasks may include preparing samples, running basic laboratory tests, documenting results, and supporting senior scientists with research projects. You may also participate in cross-functional meetings with marketing, production, and regulatory teams to ensure product safety and compliance. This hands-on exposure helps you gain a solid understanding of the food production process and prepares you for more advanced responsibilities as you progress in your career.

How to get into a food science career?

To start a career in food science, obtain a bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions and developing skills in laboratory techniques and food safety are important steps. Certifications such as HACCP or SQF can also enhance job prospects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Science jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Food Science jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Food Science jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Food Science jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Food Science jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Food Science jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Food Science jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Food Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Food Science job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,573 per year, or $22.4 per hour.
Courier, Eurofins Environment Testing, Ashland, VA

Courier, Eurofins Environment Testing, Ashland, VA

Eurofins Scientific

Ashland, VA

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Eurofins rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 180 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Company Description

Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company which provides a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries. The Group believes it is the world leader in food, environment and pharmaceutical products testing and in agroscience CRO services. It is also one of the global independent market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and for supporting clinical studies. In addition, Eurofins is one of the key emerging players in specialty clinical diagnostic testing in Europe and the USA.

Group's key figures are approx. 6.95 billion Euros turnover, over 950 laboratories across 60 countries and about 63,000 staff.

Job Description

The position is full-time, Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 9:00am-5:00pm and Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm with overtime as needed.  Candidates currently living in a commutable distance to Ashland VA are encouraged to apply.  NO degree required.  We promote up entry level positions.

Compensation is $18-22 per  hour (depends on experience)

Courier responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Documenting, packaging and transporting samples in accordance with appropriate project-specific sampling and analysis plans/protocols
  • Responsible for quality control of all assignment and completing documents
  • Following and enforcing company health and safety policies.
  • Must be able to follow technical instructions and guidance.
  • Will assist with data collection and routine sampling, as needed 
  • Long distance driving as needed
    • Routes can be up to 4-5 hours one way
    • Courier will support clients in Richmond, VA area, and will also drove to other locations, including Virginia Beach, VA, Hanover, Maryland, and Lancaster, PA. 
  • Additional duties as assigned 
Qualifications

Basic Minimum Qualifications: 

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • A valid state issued driver's license to drive delivery vehicles is required as an employee with driving responsibilities.
  • Must be able to operate a motor vehicle 
  • Must be able to use Smartphone. 
  • Basic computer data entry skills
  • Must be willing and able to drive long distances (4+ hours) 
  • Authorization to work in the United States indefinitely without restriction or sponsorship
  • Professional working proficiency in English is a requirement, including the ability to read, write and speak in English.

The ideal candidate would possess:

  • Ability to follow GPS directions 
  • Excellent communication (oral and written) and attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, self-motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude
  • Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies
Additional Information

Please note - Eurofins Environment Testing (USA) provides a compensation range for informational purposes, the actual base salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience and skill set, base salary of internal peers, business sector, and geographic location.

As a Eurofins employee, you will become part of a company that has received national recognition as a great place to work.  We offer excellent full-time benefits including comprehensive medical coverage, life and disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid holidays, paid time off, and dental and vision options.

We do not offer Visa Sponsorship for this role.

We support your development! Do you feel you don't match 100% of the requirements? Don't hesitate to apply anyway! Eurofins companies are committed to supporting your career development.

We embrace diversity! Eurofins network of companies believe in strength and innovation through diversity, being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination against employees or applications based on gender identity and/or expression, race, nationality, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and everything else that makes employees of Eurofins companies unique.

Sustainability matters to us! At Eurofins, we believe sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Guided by our vision to be the Global Leader in "Testing for Life," our mission to contribute to a healthier and safer world, and our core values, we are building a strong foundation for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Eurofins' commitment to sustainability begins within our own companies through a shared responsibility to people and the planet. With climate change posing an imminent threat, Eurofins and its many companies recognize their duty to proactively reduce or offset the environmental impact of essential operations while also helping our clients do the same-serving as a true ESG Enabler.

Find out more in our career page: https://careers.eurofins.com/

Company description: Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins laboratories work with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate.

The Eurofins network of companies is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing and in discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and Eurofins Scientific 2/2 March 2023 agroscience contract research services. It is one of the market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an emerging global presence in Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations. It also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialised and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.

In over 35 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to 61,000 staff across a decentralised and entrepreneurial network of ca. 900 laboratories in 61 countries. Eurofins companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products.

In 2022, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR 6.7 billion, and has been among the best performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years.

Eurofins is a M/F, Disabled, and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.

Eurofins USA Environment Testing is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Eurofins USA Environment Testing is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.


What Eurofins employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Eurofins

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Scientific research and development services, biotechnology research and development and environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Leacock, PA, US