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Food Lab Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA

DiFeliceantonio, the lab aims to understand the metabolic and neural mechanisms of food choice and specifically how modern, ultra-processed foods influence these systems. Lab website: Projects in the ...

Westover Dairy

Raw Milk Receiver - 2nd Shift

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Minimum of two years previous quality assurance lab experience. * Knowledge of food safety programs, microbiological and sanitation concepts. * Functional knowledge and use of Microsoft Office.

advansix

Quality Manager

Chester, VA

$118K - $178K/yr

... meet Food Grade, UL, KOSHER, HALA and other certifications. * Responsible for product Certificate of Analysis, maintaining Product Specification database within Lab Management Program and SAP.

advansix

Quality Manager

Chester, VA

$118K - $178K/yr

... meet Food Grade, UL, KOSHER, HALA and other certifications. * Responsible for product Certificate of Analysis, maintaining Product Specification database within Lab Management Program and SAP.

Sentara

Cook / Patient Dining Associate

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Food Handlers Card required in the city of Norfolk Experience * Food Service Workers are essential ... lab services, orthopedics, weight loss services and more, all powered through Sentara eCare, a ...

Origin Coffee Lab & Kitchen LLC

Barista

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

We are searching for an engaging, courteous barista who is passionate about food and beverage preparation and education. The barista will greet customers, answer their questions, take orders and ...

Origin Coffee Lab & Kitchen LLC

Barista

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

We are searching for an engaging, courteous barista who is passionate about food and beverage preparation and education. The barista will greet customers, answer their questions, take orders and ...

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All JobsFood Lab JobsFood Lab Jobs in Virginia

Food Lab information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$25

$44

How much do food lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for food lab in Virginia is $25.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $27.64 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 the most commonly searched types of Food Lab jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Food Lab jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Lab jobs in Virginia? For Food Lab jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Lab jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Food Lab jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Food Lab jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Food Lab job openings:
Food Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Lab job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,066 per year, or $25 per hour.
Sr. Product Development Specialist

Sr. Product Development Specialist

Spectrum Brands

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Spectrum Brands rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Division Information
The Pet Care business unit of Spectrum Brands is based in St. Louis, Missouri with distribution, manufacturing and sales offices throughout the US and globe. Owners of dogs, cats, birds, small animals, fish and reptiles rely on our brands for exceptional value and trusted results. Our industry-leading brands include Tetra®, Instant Ocean®, Marineland®, 8-in-1®, Dingo®, FURminator®, Nature's Miracle®, GloFish®, DreamBone® and SmartBones®.
Job Summary
The Senior Product Development Specialist is responsible for assisting in project management to create new pet products within AAFCO and FDA guidelines, bring new ideas for innovation, and much more! This position is part of an experienced R&D team with flexible management and responsive leadership dedicated to building careers. This role will take direction from the R&D Nutritionist, Senior R&D Nutritionist, R&D Manager or R&D Lab Supervisor to identify pet market needs and develop innovative solutions for a global market. Come join a winning team that manages a growing $1.2 billion product portfolio!
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Product Development
  • Assist in formulation of pet products, including feed supplements and diets as applicable
  • Assist in developing products for the U.S. and international pet markets according to relevant regulations
  • Assist in scientifically substantiating product label claims based on peer-reviewed literature and/or clinical efficacy results
  • Interact with internal and 3rd party manufacturers to provide product formulation guidance
  • Review U.S. and global 3rd party formulas to ensure proper product specifications are met
  • Interact with both internal and external manufacturing teams to troubleshoot production processes
  • Collaborate with Marketing to develop global products that meet label claims and ensure customer and consumer satisfaction
  • Partner with Food Safety and Regulatory to develop safe and efficacious products that adhere to all regulatory guidelines
  • Ability to perform review and provide feedback on Marketing's desired product claims
  • Ability to create a written document to substantiate global product claims through literature review and/or efficacy testing
  • Participate in R&D Led Innovation by brainstorming, presenting, and developing innovative product ideas that align with brand strategy
  • Assist the R&D Nutritionist, Senior R&D Nutritionist, R&D Manager or R&D Lab Supervisor in managing and streamlining integration activity as newly acquired brands join the portfolio

Testing & Analysis
  • Assist in the design of global pet product stability study protocols
  • Assist in global product formulation by creating and troubleshooting lab batches
  • Lead all stability studies and analyze data to determine U.S. and international product shelf-life
  • Create and maintain database of global product stability certificates
  • Participate in the investigation of consumer complaints and collaborate with Quality Assurance and Food Safety to implement corrective actions for existing U.S. and international pet products
  • Partner with Production, Quality Assurance, and Packaging Engineering to perform manufacturing pilots and line trials
  • Prepare mock-up samples in response to marketing and sales needs for U.S. and international product pitches
  • Maintain annual testing requirements for claims substantiation on global products
  • Maintain and update R&D laboratory Standard Operating Procedures
  • Other duties as assigned as opportunities arise

Process Development
  • Actively participate in the continuous improvement of New Product Development (NPD) and working processes, as well as interdepartmental relationships
  • Contribute to the company Speed to Market initiative by prioritizing time and resources

Education and Experience Profile
  • Role not eligible for sponsorship
  • Bachelor's degree with preference given to those with Chemistry, Biology, Food Sciences, Animal Sciences, or related science background
  • 3+ years of experience in product development and/or a laboratory setting

Required Skills
  • Knowledge of laboratory operations, equipment, and safety requirements
  • Possess basic critical thinking and analytical skills
  • High level of organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently with little supervision
  • Ability to think creatively and overcome obstacles
  • Demonstrate strong multi-tasking skills
  • Good communication skills, both written and oral
  • Ability to work well in a team environment
  • Ability to communicate effectively with all levels within the organization
  • PC Skills: Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Adobe, etc.

Work Environment
This role offers a hybrid work schedule (Monday and Friday are work from home, Tuesday through Thursday are work on-site)
  • 85-90% office environment
  • 5-10% lab environment
  • Up to 5% travel on an as needed basis

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this job/classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Spectrum Brands is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
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