Entry Level Food Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department:Food Science & TechnologySpecial Instructions to Applicants:

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by August 16, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your education, training, and professional experience have prepared you for this position.

Starting salary will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

For additional information please contact:

Lisbeth Goddik

lisbeth.goddik@oregonstate.edu

Job Summary:

The Department of Food Science & Technology is seeking a Beaver Classic Retail Manager. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position.

Join the Beaver Classic program within Oregon State University's Department of Food Science and Technology and play a leadership role in a unique, student-centered retail enterprise that connects food production, product innovation, and hands-on learning. The Beaver Classic Retail Manager oversees sales and operations across the Beaver Classic Market, food truck, farmers markets, e-commerce, and community events while working closely with faculty, staff, and production teams to bring high-quality, student-made products to consumers. This position offers the opportunity to shape Beaver Classic retail strategy, expand product offerings, and strengthen community engagement while supporting OSU's mission of teaching, research, and outreach.

As part of the Department of Food Science and Technology, this position helps provide meaningful experiential learning opportunities for students while managing a growing and highly visible Beaver Classic retail program. The role combines business operations, marketing, financial management, and customer engagement in a collaborative environment dedicated to innovation, food science education, and excellence in product development and production. Learn more about Beaver Classic and the Department of Food Science and Technology at https://beaverclassic.com/ and https://foodsci.oregonstate.edu/

Key Responsibilities:

• Management of Beaver Classic Market, Food Truck, Events, and Online Sales

Provide leadership and oversight for Beaver Classic retail operations, including the Beaver Classic Market, Food Truck, catering and special events, and online sales. Manage daily operations, sales activities, merchandising, product fulfillment, and customer service to ensure a high-quality customer experience and achievement of revenue goals.

• Strategic Planning and Partnership Development

Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic plans that support Beaver Classic retail growth, profitability, and brand awareness.

• Administrative Management

Evaluate and improve operational procedures, policies, training materials, and business practices to ensure efficient, customer-focused operations.

• Service

Serve on department, college, and university committees and participate in activities that contribute to the success of the Department of Food Science and Technology, the College of Agricultural Sciences, and Oregon State University.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree in food service management, nutritional care, food science, business, or related field AND four years of food service supervisory experience; OR a bachelor's degree with a major course work in restaurant or hotel management, food science, business, or a closely related field and one year of food service supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience in food safety including microbial and allergen controls.
• Experience managing budgets, calculating Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), and profit and loss accounting.
• Experience supervising and mentoring entry-level employees and/or students.
• Ability to work irregular hours including evenings and weekends, including communication outside of working hours. For example, may include Saturday Farmers Market, and College of Agricultural Sciences special events.
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 lbs, and push/pull items weighing 50-100 lbs.
• Must acquire a Oregon Food Handler's license within 15 days of hire, and maintain license by renewing every 3 years.
• Commitment to promoting and enhancing inclusive excellence.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong preference for a bachelor's degree with a major course work in restaurant or hotel management or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated effective customer relations, interpersonal skills, and communication.
• Able to prioritize and complete assigned multiple tasks and responsibilities promptly.
• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) training.
• Experience running a small business.

Working Conditions/Schedule:Working Conditions/Work Schedule:
Work environment includes working in various environments including office, food truck in outdoor environment for events, retail store, storage and freezer or refrigerated areas, and other environments as needed. Position requires working some irregular hours including evenings and weekends. Position requires travel to event locations with food truck or other vehicle. Event venues include on and off campus college or university events, local farmers markets, festivals/fairs, and others.
Position will lift and carry items weighing up to 50 lbs, push/pull items weighing 50-100 lbs, will require climbing stairs and repetitive motions.Salary Range:$55,000 - $67,000Anticipated Start Date:2026-09-01Anticipated End Date:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. If this position has "critical or security-sensitive" responsibilities and/or driving duties and you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU's Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.