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Food Research Development Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

SR SCIENTIST

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$85K - $117K/yr

... Research & Development to lead cutting-edge product innovation in the pet category, while also collaborating across our human food and beverage lines. This leadership role will drive R&D initiatives ...

At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose ... Your Role: R&D Quality Assurance Auditor This role provides quality oversight and consultative ...

Partner with Research & Development, Quality, and Resource Planning teams to support new product ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Science, Operations Management, Business, or a related ...

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Food Research Development information

See Iowa salary details

$45.6K

$95.6K

$155K

How much do food research development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for food research development in Iowa is $95,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,800.00 and $109,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of someone working in Food Research Development?

Professionals in Food Research Development are responsible for creating and testing new food products, improving existing formulas, and ensuring quality and safety standards are met throughout the development process. Daily tasks often include conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing sensory and nutritional data, documenting findings, and collaborating with cross-functional teams such as marketing, quality assurance, and production. You'll also participate in pilot plant trials and may engage directly with suppliers or regulatory agencies. This role is highly collaborative and requires both independent research and teamwork to bring innovative food products to market.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Food Research Development position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Food Research Development, a strong background in food science, chemistry, or related fields—often supported by a relevant degree—is essential. Experience with laboratory research tools, food safety standards, analytical software, and potentially HACCP certification is highly valued. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set exceptional candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing innovative, safe, and market-ready food products in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

What is a Food Research Development job?

A Food Research Development job focuses on creating, improving, and testing food products to enhance quality, taste, safety, and shelf life. Professionals in this field work with ingredients, formulations, and processing techniques to develop new recipes or refine existing ones. They collaborate with food scientists, nutritionists, and production teams to ensure products meet consumer expectations and regulatory standards. Additionally, they may research market trends and evaluate new technologies to drive innovation in the food industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Research Development jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Food Research Development jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Research Development jobs in Iowa? For Food Research Development jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Food Research Development jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Food Research Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Research Development job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,611 per year, or $46 per hour.
Agronomic Research Scientist

Agronomic Research Scientist

Syngenta Seeds

Slater, IA • Hybrid

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Syngenta rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 92 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

Company Description

About Syngenta 

At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel. We’re a global Ag Tech powerhouse, headquartered in the United States, with passionate, local experts collaborating with farmers to deliver solutions that create market opportunities.  We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance.  Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme weather pressures, all while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture. 

Job Description

At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. To support this mission, Syngenta’s Sales Team is seeking a (position title) in Slater, IA. This role will support Syngenta's marketing and sales objectives by conducting comprehensive agronomic research studies on corn and soybean varieties, delivering value-added agronomic content that strengthens NK and Golden Harvest brand positioning as trusted agronomic advisors in the marketplace.

Accountabilities:

  • Build and maintain collaborative relationships with sales and agronomy teams across Eastern Commercial Units to identify regional needs and deliver targeted agronomic solutions.
  • Lead the complete research lifecycle, from study design and prioritization through pre-planting preparations, including technology agreements, seed treatment, plot planning, and field mapping for corn and soybean variety trials.
  • Oversee all field activities, including planting, plot maintenance, harvest operations, treatment applications, data collection, and supervision of part-time research personnel across multiple research sites.
  • Conduct statistical analysis of yield and agronomic data; prepare technical reports and presentations; and confidently present research findings to internal teams, dealers, customers, and industry influencers.
  • Maintain research equipment precision and efficiency through routine maintenance, seasonal preparation, and innovative equipment design to support accurate treatment applications and data collection.
Qualifications
  • Ph.D. and/or M.S. in Agronomy or a related field strongly preferred.
  • Candidates without postgraduate training, but holding a B.S. in Agronomy with five or more years of experience conducting agronomy research trials and statistical data analysis, will be considered.
  • 5+ years of experience in a commercial or R&D agronomy role, with a strong technical background and understanding of sales/commercial aspects.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to deliver key messages clearly and concisely.
  • Good personnel and facility management skills.
  • In-depth understanding of statistical principles and data analysis.
  • Knowledge of farming best practices, seed technologies, and crop protection.
  • Ability to skillfully plan, organize, and monitor performance to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to coach people to excel by giving clear, direct, and skillful feedback.
  • Ability to help teams understand how objectives are aligned with company strategy and how they add value.

Additional Information

What We Offer: 

  • A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs. 
  • Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day. 
  • 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution. 
  • Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits. 

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI 

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. 

WL: 4A

#LI-Hybrid


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