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Entry Level Food Science Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Food Science information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$13

$25

$38

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 Seattle, WA is $25.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $32.26 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 Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Food Science jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Food Science jobs in Seattle, WA? For Entry Level Food Science jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Entry Level Food Science jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Entry Level Food Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Food Science job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,460 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Molecular Sales Specialist- Seattle/Portland

Molecular Sales Specialist- Seattle/Portland

Becton, Dickinson and Company

Seattle, WA

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


BD rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 139 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

303rd of 486 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Job Description SummaryJob Description

We are the makers of possible

As a result of the combination of the BD Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions business with Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT),byapplyingtothis role, you will be applying for a position with Waters.

Waters Advanced Diagnostics is seeking a Molecular Sales Specialist in the Seattle, WA or Portland, OR area, who will be responsible for calling on Clinical Molecular and Microbiology laboratories, Pathology Labs, Reference Labs, and Acute Clinical Labs. The Products included in this portfolio are the BD MAX, BD ViperLT, BD COR, and all Molecular Assays. The primary call points include Lab Managers, supervisors, medical technicians, pathologists, and procurement, within the Molecular and Anatomical pathology laboratory space.


The Molecular Sales Specialist will work in partnership with the assigned Account Executive (AE) to fully develop and implement regional and strategic account sales plans involving multiple partners and buyers in the laboratory adoption of assigned product portfolio. The Molecular Specialist will apply the entire Advanced Diagnostics (POD) selling team consisting of the AE, Molecular Application Specialist (MAS), and Field Service Engineers (FSE).

Primary responsibilities include:

  • Achieving annual sales budget and profit targets set for the territory/region.

  • Communicate Waters long term strategic direction to the customer and demonstrate the value proposition of the Diagnostic product portfolio to be consistent with the needs of the customer.

  • Becomes proficient in molecular applications and serves as a molecular technical and capital equipment authority and drives sales of Waters complete molecular portfolio.

  • Works closely with the Local Diagnostic Solutions POD structure in the region to identify and close new accounts, attain, or exceed the overall sales plan for the designated platform of products within the territory.

  • Develops and implements a regional and strategic account sales plan involving multiple partners and buyers in the hospital / laboratory adoption of designated products and platforms.

  • Calls on prospective customers, build demand, communicate medical, clinical, and patient outcome benefits, deliver product information and demonstrations, and prepare economic models / proposals and quotes within company guidelines.

  • Develops and implements sales and marketing plans, including customer profiling, targeting and call schedules, to ensure achievement of all sales objectives

  • Demonstrates the ability to work with all Waters personnel as a member of the POD structure to achieve regional objectives through the communication of successful tactics and recommendations for continuous improvements in procedures, strategies, and specific processes.

  • Works with key support staff and other technical support team members, to develop and implement key account evaluation plans and to update colleagues on a regular basis.

  • Generates leads and sales by participating in state, regional, and national meetings as advised by Sales Management.

  • Participates on cross-functional product launch teams. Work closely with the other Diagnostic Solutions sales team members and Marketing Product Managers to gather standard methodology and centers of excellence data.

  • Actively participates in all training sessions and demonstrates proficiency by testing or other means as assigned at session completion.

  • Leads administrative duties as assigned: supervising expenses to budget (free goods / samples), timely administrative and call reporting, funnel, and competitive data entries, use and maintenance of Company assets and adhering to OHSA and Universal Lab precautions, as applicable, and all consistent with Waters Company policy.

Minimum Requirement:

  • Bachelors degree required, preferably in Biology or Micro-Biology

  • 2-3 years of sales experience in a diagnostics field is highly preferred

Waters is a global leader in life sciences, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments, Waters' innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientificexpertiseacross biology, chemistry, and physics. Waterscollaborateswith analytical laboratories around the world to advance the release of effective, high-quality medicines, assure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combatting growing antibiotic resistance.Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, Waters'passionate team of approximately16,000colleaguespartner with customers to turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide.

Salary ranges have been implemented to reward associates fairly and competitively, as well as to support recognition of associates' progress, ranging from entry level to experts in their field, and talent mobility. There are many factors, such as location, that supply to the range displayed. The salary offered to a successful candidate is based on experience, education, skills, and actual work location. Salary ranges may vary for Field-based and Remote roles.

$140,000 - $235,000 Annual Base + Incentive

Required Skills

Optional Skills

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Primary Work LocationUSA MD - Sparks - 7 Loveton CircleAdditional LocationsWork Shift

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About BD

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. We have over 65,000 employees and a presence in virtually every country around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues.

Industry

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing and manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Franklin Lakes, NJ, US

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