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Food Research Development Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Kent Corporation

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 ...

Elanco

R&D Quality Assurance Auditor

Fort Dodge, IA

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 ...

Palmer Candy Company

Plant Manager

Sioux City, IA · On-site

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 ...

Kemin

Bakery Scientist

Des Moines, IA

Overview Kemin Food Technologies is searching for an experienced Bakery Scientist. The R&D Bakery Scientist is responsible for developing, optimizing, and validating bakery formulations utilizing ...

Kemin

Bakery Scientist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Overview Kemin Food Technologies is searching for an experienced Bakery Scientist. The R&D Bakery Scientist is responsible for developing, optimizing, and validating bakery formulations utilizing ...

Kemin

Bakery Scientist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Kemin Food Technologies is searching for an experienced Bakery Scientist. The R&D Bakery Scientist is responsible for developing, optimizing, and validating bakery formulations utilizing enzymes ...

New

UnityPoint Health

Food & Nutrition Mgr

Grinnell, IA · On-site

The supervisor is responsible for researching, testing and developing new recipes/new menus in ... support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment ...

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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 Aug 11, 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 a 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 food research development, 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?

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 job categories do people searching Food Research Development jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Food Research Development jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Food Research Development jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Food Research Development job openings:
Food Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Research Development job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% 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.

Veterinarian - Local Animal Welfare Officer

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated

Fort Dodge, IA • On-site

Other

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) - it all starts with animals!
As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose - all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.
At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.
Making animals' lives better makes life better - join our team today!
Your Role:
Local Animal Welfare Officer
As the Local Animal Welfare Officer, you will be a key member of the Fort Dodge site, serving as a site veterinarian for our Research & Development and Manufacturing & Quality teams. In this critical role, you will be responsible for providing excellent veterinary care, ensuring local compliance with all animal welfare regulations, and supporting our global Animal Welfare organization's mission through policy development and accreditation activities.
Your Responsibilities:
  • Provide veterinary leadership and hands-on clinical care for animals in the Research & Development and Manufacturing & Quality departments, including herd/colony health monitoring and emergency treatments.
  • Serve as the designated Local Animal Welfare Officer (LAWO), ensuring site compliance with all regulatory guidelines, leading USDA inspections, and supporting AAALAC accreditation visits.
  • Drive the development and implementation of the site's animal welfare program, including creating and reviewing SOPs, training personnel on clinical and husbandry procedures, and providing guidance on best practices.
  • Support the global Animal Welfare organization by leading and participating in projects related to policy development, programmatic improvements, internal inspections, and third-party accreditation efforts.
  • Collaborate with site leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure robust biosecurity, biocontainment, and overall animal welfare program success, including participation in facility design and renovation projects.
What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
  • Education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from an accredited institution.
  • Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience in an animal welfare-regulated environment within the Animal Health industry, including direct experience with third-party animal welfare accreditation processes (e.g., AAALAC) and a strong understanding of pre-clinical and clinical models.
  • Licensure: A current license to practice veterinary medicine in the United States and the ability to obtain licensure in the state of Iowa.
  • Technical Skills: Strong field and laboratory clinical skills.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):
  • Certifications: Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM).
  • Experience: Prior experience conducting facility audits and deep familiarity with USDA regulations, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching.
  • Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, work independently, and navigate complex situations within multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Communication Skills: Advanced verbal and written communication skills, with a particular strength in conflict management.

Additional Information:
  • Travel: 10-20%
  • Location: Fort Dodge, IA - On-Site Work Environment

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!
Elanco Benefits and Perks:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
  • Multiple relocation packages
  • Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
  • 8-week parental leave
  • 9 Employee Resource Groups
  • Annual bonus offering
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Up to 6% 401K matching

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status
Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job-related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.

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