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Food Chemistry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Qualifications: * BS/MS Food Science & Technology / Food Chemistry or related field • 3-5 years of experience in the Food Industry or related area • Understanding of food chemistry, carbohydrates ...

Working knowledge of food chemistry: protein, carbohydrates, fats and their interactions. Computer Skills: Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel. Salary Range: $75,000 - $100,000 annual salary ...

... Chemistry, or related field with 1-3 years of experience • Knowledge of beverage technology , food chemistry , food microbiology , and food process technology • Hands-on experience in product ...

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Food Chemist

Hackensack, NJ · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

As a Food Chemist on the Food R&D team, you will support research and development activities across a broad program, including innovation, renovation, quality improvement, and margin enhancement. You ...

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related scientific field. * Experience: 1-3 years of experience in a lab setting (internship experience in food or beverage ...

Food Lab Technician

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Perform basic food chemistry (pH, aW) and food texture analyses. * Conduct or assist with special projects as necessary, which could include non-standard analyses, development of methods, validation ...

Food Lab Technician

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Perform basic food chemistry (pH, aW) and food texture analyses. * Conduct or assist with special projects as necessary, which could include non-standard analyses, development of methods, validation ...

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Food Chemistry information

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$13

$22

$32

How much do food chemistry jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for food chemistry in the United States is $22.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What careers use Food chemistry?

Food chemistry is used in careers such as food scientist, quality control analyst, product development scientist, and regulatory affairs specialist. These roles involve analyzing food components, developing new products, ensuring safety standards, and improving food quality using laboratory techniques and chemical analysis tools.

What is the job of a food chemist?

A food chemist studies the chemical composition and properties of food ingredients to improve safety, quality, and shelf life. They analyze food samples, develop new products, and ensure compliance with regulations using laboratory techniques and scientific knowledge.

What are some typical challenges faced by food chemists when developing new food products?

Food chemists often encounter challenges such as ensuring product safety and stability while maintaining desired taste, texture, and nutritional value. Balancing regulatory compliance, ingredient sourcing, and cost-effectiveness can also be complex. Additionally, food chemists must collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including quality assurance, production, and marketing—to address formulation issues and scale up successful prototypes into mass production. Staying updated with emerging technologies and changing consumer preferences is essential for continuous innovation in this field.

What is food chemistry?

Food chemistry is the study of the chemical processes and interactions of all biological and non-biological components of foods. It involves analyzing the composition, structure, and properties of food substances, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Food chemists work to understand how these components interact during processing, storage, and preparation, and how they affect the flavor, texture, nutritional value, and safety of food. This field plays a crucial role in developing new food products, improving food quality, and ensuring food safety.

What is the highest paying job in food science?

In food science, senior roles such as Food Science Directors or R&D Managers typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require advanced education, extensive experience, and strong leadership skills, and they often involve overseeing product development, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Chemist, you generally need a strong background in chemistry, biology, and food science, often supported by a bachelor's or advanced degree in these fields. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical techniques like HPLC or GC, and food safety regulations is essential, and certifications such as HACCP can be beneficial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with teams and interpreting complex data. These skills ensure accurate analysis, product safety, and innovation in food development and quality control.

Are food chemists in demand?

Food chemists are in demand due to the growing focus on food safety, quality, and innovation in the food industry. They often work in research labs, manufacturing, or quality assurance, requiring knowledge of analytical techniques and regulatory standards. Employment prospects are generally favorable for those with relevant education and skills in food science and chemistry.

What is the difference between Food Chemistry vs Food Technologist?

AspectFood Chemistry
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Food Science, Chemistry, or related fields; certifications like Certified Food Scientist
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, food manufacturing plants
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, research institutions, regulatory agencies
Common Search & ComparisonFood Chemistry vs Food Technologist

Food Chemistry focuses on analyzing and understanding the chemical composition of food, including additives, nutrients, and contaminants. Food Technologists develop, improve, and oversee food products and processes. While both roles work within the food industry and may share similar credentials, Food Chemistry emphasizes chemical analysis, whereas Food Technologists focus on product development and manufacturing processes.

More about Food Chemistry jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Chemistry jobs? Cities with the most Food Chemistry job openings:
What states have the most Food Chemistry jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Chemistry jobs include:
Infographic showing various Food Chemistry job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Full Time, and 92% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,292 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Associate Scientist - Food Chemistry

Kemin

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Overview

Kemin Industries Food Technologies business unit is seeking an Associate Scientist to join our team of experienced researchers and help strengthen the chemistry foundation behind our ingredientinnovation initiatives.

We are seeking a scientist with a background in Food Science, Food Chemistry, or Chemistry with relevant industry experience, focused on general chemistry as it applies to food systems. This role will focus on developing new ingredients, establishing SOPs, creating analytical methods and food models, and applying instrumental and organic chemistry to identify functional molecules, with an emphasis on natural sources.

This position requires someone who can balance scientific rigor with creativity, connecting deep molecular understanding to practical, commercially viable solutions. Working alongside microbiology and application scientists, this individual will anchor the team with chemistry expertise and help drive cleanlabel, affordable ingredient innovation. The ideal candidate is motivated by realworld impact and excited to translate chemistry into meaningful advancements for the food industry.

Join the Kemin Team and Transform Lives!

We are a privately held, family-owned-and-operated global biotechnology company driven by curiosity and committed to transforming the quality of life for people, pets, and the planet.

 

We create solutions that strengthen health and wellbeing, provide nutrition and immune support for pets and production animals, safeguard the planet's natural resources, and protect the global food supply chain for generations to come.

 

We supply over 500 specialty ingredients for various industries, including human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines.

 

We employ 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.

As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial, physical, and professional well-being:

  • Competitive Financial Package: Enjoy a rewarding salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, a 401k match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
  • Health and Wellness Support: Stay fit and healthy with our fitness reimbursement for the whole family, access to an on-site fitness center, a restaurant offering seasonal fresh food options, and free fresh fruit in break areas.
  • Career Development and Advancement: Unlock your potential with opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.
  • Continued Learning Opportunities: Grow your skills with our in-house learning platforms, offering thousands of training resources both live and online, and take advantage of tuition reimbursement for external post-secondary pursuits.
  • Service Opportunities: Make a positive impact with paid time off for service, partnerships with The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, and local community initiatives.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute chemical assays and food model testing for ingredient evaluation.
  • Independently conduct innovative scientific experiments and translate research into practical applications.
  • Perform pilotplant operations to support process scaleup and optimization
  • Perform literature reviews and provide written summaries that are incorporated into strategy.
  • Identify and deliver commercial viable solutions to customers
  • communicate effectively and display crossfunctional collaboration to drive successful product commercialization
  • Reliable and consistently deliver highquality data and reports on time
  • Independently develop and review SOP's, research protocols and research methods; design safety procedures
  • Independently perform advanced data analysis and review other's data to provide input and insight
  • Independently, collect, interpret and document research data.
  • Generate scientific publications for internal and external publication, with guidance and review.
  • Prepare and present data analytics and research in multiple formats both internally and externally
  • Review internal publication across Kemin.
  • Identify and participate in external research collaborations
  • Contribute to strategic planning process and customer meetings.
  • Provides instruction and training to interns and junior staff.
Qualifications
  • Education
    • Master's in Food Science, Chemistry or Biochemistry with 3+ years of relavent industrial experience
    • PhD with 0-3 years experience.
  • Must be able to work independently or on a team and have the ability to work in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment.
  • Solid knowledge foundation in food chemistry (especially on polyphenols, phytochemicals, colorants, etc.), and hands on lab experience in food and chemical analysis.
  • Strong understanding of food ingredient functionalities, interactions, and core foodprocessing principles
  • Excellent Scientific skills in experiment design and data collection, able to maintain instruments.
  • Detail oriented, organized, prioritization skills and motivated by accomplishment.
  • Ability to understand and perform advanced statistical analysis.
  • Analytical lab skills with a strong scientific curiosity and innovative thinking.
  • Fluent in English. Excellent written and oral communication skills with ability to present ideas effectively.
  • Advanced computer knowledge (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, etc.).

We are an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed/religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status (where applicable), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy/childbirth/breastfeeding or related conditions, age (40+), disability (including the use of a service animal), genetic information, marital status, familial or caregiver status, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, reproductive health decisionmaking, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also prohibit retaliation for raising concerns or participating in an EEO process. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview can email TalentAcquisition.US@Kemin.com.

A post-offer background check and drug screen is required.  Additional pre-employment requirements may be necessary based on position.

Kemin is a drug-free and tobacco-free campus. 

      

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME