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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 popular job titles related to Food Research Development jobs in Tennessee? For Food Research Development jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Research Development jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Food Research Development jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Food Research Development jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Food Research Development job openings:
Food Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Research Development job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 89% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution.
Research & Development Food Technologist

Research & Development Food Technologist

Chairmans Foods

Nashville, TN • On-site

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Chairmans Foods specializes in producing a wide range of high quality, consistent customer solutions - main courses, side dishes, queso, ready-to-eat protein salads custom solutions for foodservice operators and retail stores. Chairmans has succeeded over the years with open communication, integrity, and with a deep commitment to southern hospitality.


Driven by our mission, vision and values, employee and food safety are always our top priority. www.chairmansfoods.com


JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Vice President of R&D, the Food Technologist has the primary function of hands-on product development with a focus on new products, change management and innovation. You will often work independently within the R&D organization and will have occasional customer and sales contact. This position will also assist in testing, plant trials, gather data, gather ingredients, communicate objectives, retain samples, ship samples and report results. You will present and evaluate ingredients, packaging and products for internal and external approvals and evaluations.



DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop formulas and applications
  • Take products from concept to launch
  • Assist with sourcing packaging and ingredients
  • Evaluate ingredients and processes
  • Evaluate new equipment (lab/production)
  • Be a food and technical resource for development, flavors, colors, functionality, and packaging
  • Run plant trials, tests, and scale-ups
  • Follow GMP’s, SOP’s and SSOP’s
  • Ship and receive samples and ingredients
  • Other duties as requested, directed, or assigned


JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Culinary creativity; knowledge of current food trends
  • Knowledge of USDA and FDA standards
  • Proficient in MS Office
  • Excellent math calculations and analyses
  • Ability to interpret data from tests and lab results, experimental design and project management
  • Good communication and presentation skills
  • Organized, detail oriented and proactive
  • Must be comfortable in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to lead projects autonomously, formulate, apply, evaluate packaging and assist in commercialization


EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

  • Minimum Bachelors degree in Food Science or related discipline required.
  • 1-3 years related work experience in food manufacturing product development/R&D with exposure to packaging development and sourcing.
  • Experience with both Food Service and Retail-facing products/packaging is preferred.


TRAVEL

  • 20-50% overnight travel, as needed, to support plant trials in Chairmans Foods manufacturing facilities.


Apply