ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Lab Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

State of Indiana

Food Microbiologist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$53K/yr

The Food Microbiologist 2 works onsite at the Indiana Health Sciences Laboratory in a BSL 2 public health lab environment, rotating monthly through dairy, meat, and general food benches that each ...

State of Indiana

Food Microbiologist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$53K/yr

The Food Microbiologist 2 works onsite at the Indiana Health Sciences Laboratory in a BSL 2 public health lab environment, rotating monthly through dairy, meat, and general food benches that each ...

PSG

QUALITY MANAGER

Gary, IN · On-site

Food / Food Packaging Manufacturing Position Summary The Quality Manager is responsible for ... This role provides strong leadership to the quality and lab teams, supports audit readiness, and ...

PSG

QUALITY MANAGER

Gary, IN

Food / Food Packaging Manufacturing Position Summary The Quality Manager is responsible for ... This role provides strong leadership to the quality and lab teams, supports audit readiness, and ...

Eurofins

QC Medical Packaging Scientist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins laboratories ... Execute methods, collect data, and document results in lab notebooks and LIMS * Participate in the ...

ravagoamericas

Quality Control Technician

Greenwood, IN

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Operate, repair and perform maintenance of laboratory instrumentation utilized within the lab ... Working knowledge of Food Safety, and Food Quality standards, Haz-Mat, NACD, and FDA requirements ...

ravagoamericas

Quality Control Technician

Greenwood, IN

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Operate, repair and perform maintenance of laboratory instrumentation utilized within the lab ... Working knowledge of Food Safety, and Food Quality standards, Haz-Mat, NACD, and FDA requirements ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Lab JobsFood Lab Jobs in Indiana

Food Lab information

See Indiana salary details

$9

$24

$43

How much do food lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for food lab in Indiana is $24.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $26.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Food Lab vs Food Scientist?

AspectFood LabFood Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in food science, chemistry, or related fieldRequires a degree in food science, chemistry, or related field; often advanced degrees for research roles
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, food production facilities, testing centersResearch labs, food manufacturing companies, academic institutions
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, testing labs, quality assuranceFood industry R&D, academia, government agencies

Food Lab roles focus on testing, quality control, and product development in practical settings, while Food Scientists often engage in research, product innovation, and scientific analysis. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What is the highest paid job in the food industry?

In the food industry, executive chef or culinary director roles tend to be among the highest paid positions, especially in high-end restaurants or hotel chains, with salaries often exceeding six figures. These roles require extensive culinary experience, leadership skills, and often advanced certifications or degrees in culinary arts or hospitality management.

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

To thrive as a Food Lab Technician, you need a solid background in food science, chemistry, or microbiology, often supported by a relevant degree or laboratory certification. Familiarity with lab equipment, quality control systems, and safety regulations such as HACCP or ISO standards is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring food safety, maintaining product quality, and supporting regulatory compliance in food production environments.

What is a food lab?

A food lab is a specialized facility where food products are tested, analyzed, and developed to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with regulations. Food labs conduct a variety of tests, such as checking for contaminants, nutritional content, shelf life, and sensory qualities. They play a crucial role in supporting food manufacturers, researchers, and regulatory agencies to maintain food safety standards and innovate new products.

What is the highest paid lab job?

In food labs, the highest paid roles are often senior food scientists or research and development managers, with salaries reaching over $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and experience in food science, quality control, or product development.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can pay around $2,000 a day often include specialized roles such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, corporate lawyers, or senior executives. These positions typically require advanced education, extensive experience, and often involve high levels of responsibility and skill. Freelance consulting, certain investment banking roles, and specialized contractors may also reach this earning level depending on workload and expertise.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a food lab, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in a food lab often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict safety and sanitation standards, managing tight deadlines for product testing, and adapting to rapidly changing regulatory requirements. Collaboration across departments—such as quality assurance, research and development, and production—is essential to ensure accurate results and product safety. Staying organized, communicating clearly with team members, and keeping up-to-date with current food safety protocols can help mitigate these challenges and support a productive work environment.

What do you do in a food lab?

A food lab technician conducts experiments and tests to develop, improve, or ensure the safety and quality of food products. They may analyze ingredients, monitor processing conditions, and use tools like lab equipment and testing methods to support food innovation and compliance. Attention to detail and knowledge of food safety standards are essential in this role.
What are popular job titles related to Food Lab jobs in Indiana? For Food Lab jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Lab jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Food Lab jobs in Indiana are:
Food Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Lab job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,973 per year, or $24 per hour.
Food Microbiologist

Food Microbiologist

State of Indiana

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$53K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

State Of Indiana rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 183 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 50 rated states

Job description

 Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH):

The Indiana Department of Health’s mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers so that they can reach their optimal health regardless of where they live, learn, work, or play.

Role Overview: 

Each year, the IDOH Food and Dairy Microbiology Laboratory performs over 12,000 tests for a variety of foodborne pathogens and adulterants of public health importance, including Salmonella, Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC), Campylobacter, and Listeria.  The samples are submitted by the Indiana Board of Animal Health, IDOH Food Protection Division, and local health departments in accordance with FDA, USDA-FSIS, and state statutes requiring meat and dairy producers to submit samples for pathogen testing. Food testing is also routinely performed for consumer complaints and during foodborne illness outbreaks to determine the causative agent or potential source. The Food Microbiologist 2 works onsite at the Indiana Health Sciences Laboratory in a BSL 2 public health lab environment, rotating monthly through dairy, meat, and general food benches that each follow distinct federal regulatory frameworks.


Salary Statement: 

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows: 

  • Conducting microbiological examination of food and food related specimens which includes the isolation and identification of microorganisms associated with foodborne illness or indicators of food processing cleanliness.

  • Maintains laboratory record system of submitted samples.

  • Evaluates, interprets, and validates laboratory results and reports findings to the submitter.

  • Develops and maintains sample inventory storage systems.

  • Conducts quality control checks on laboratory methods, materials, and equipment in compliance with the requirements stated in the FDA 2400 series for the Official Examination for Grade A Milk products and ISO/IEC 17025 for food testing.

  • Assists with preparation of statistical reports from data compiled on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual basis.

  • Participates in evaluation of new products used in laboratory work.

  • Performs related work as required.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment: 

  • A four (4) year degree (B.S. or B.A.) in a biological, chemical, or physical science.  If the position will be working in an area that falls under CLIA-regulation, degree must meet the degree requirements for CLIA high-complexity testing personnel. 
  • Two (2) years of testing experience that is relevant to the hiring area. 
  • Thorough knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of microbiology and related sub-specialties. 
  • Ability to meet requirements for personnel certification as a general supervisor pursuant to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988. 
  • Thorough knowledge of, and the ability to apply, accepted or unprecedented laboratory problems. 
  • Broad knowledge of, and ability to use, complex and specialized technical/scientific equipment and automated techniques of analysis. 
  • Broad knowledge of laboratory safety practices and principles. 
  • Specialized knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies concerning the program area. 
  • Ability to satisfactorily participate in proficiency testing programs. 
  • Ability to compile, analyzes, evaluate and present laboratory data to physicians, veterinarians, public health staff and professional organizations.
  • Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.

What State Of Indiana employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply