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Food Research Development Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Koch Industries

R&D Analytical Chemist

Katy, TX · On-site

Reporting to the R&D Analytical Team Leader, the team supports a wide variety of stakeholders ... From parts for the automotive industry to medical equipment, air bags, food packaging and clothing ...

Indorama Ventures

Research Chemist

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

Set up and execute laboratory work to as outlined by R&D scientist. * Analyzing samples by ... Legality and Food Safety (if applicable) and client needs on Indorama's products and services.

Indorama Ventures

Research Chemist

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

Set up and execute laboratory work to as outlined by R&D scientist. * Analyzing samples by ... Legality and Food Safety (if applicable) and client needs on Indorama's products and services.

JES Tech

Research Nurse

Houston, TX

Support protocol development by advising on nursing procedures, participant safety, sample-handling ... Act (HIPAA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (as applicable), and agency-specific human research ...

CPChem

Research Engineer

Kingwood, TX · On-site

From medical supplies and electronics to food packaging and cosmetics, we create the building ... This role supports professional growth and development through challenging assignments and exposure ...

JES Tech

Research Nurse

Houston, TX · On-site

Support protocol development by advising on nursing procedures, participant safety, sample-handling ... Act (HIPAA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (as applicable), and agency-specific human research ...

CPChem

Research Engineer

Kingwood, TX

From medical supplies and electronics to food packaging and cosmetics, we create the building ... This role supports professional growth and development through challenging assignments and exposure ...

JES Tech

Research Nurse

Houston, TX · On-site

Support protocol development by advising on nursing procedures, participant safety, sample-handling ... Act (HIPAA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (as applicable), and agency-specific human research ...

Indorama Ventures

Senior Research Scientist

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

$88K - $112K/yr

... Food Safety (if applicable) and client needs on Indorama's products and services. * Guarantee all documentation under your responsibility updated and available for consulting * Interact with R&D team ...

Indorama Ventures

Senior Research Scientist

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

$88K - $112K/yr

... Food Safety (if applicable) and client needs on Indorama's products and services. * Guarantee all documentation under your responsibility updated and available for consulting * Interact with R&D team ...

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Food Research Development information

See Houston, TX salary details

$46.3K

$97.2K

$157.6K

How much do food research development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for food research development in Houston, TX is $97,210.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $111,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Food Research Development jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Food Research Development jobs in Houston, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Research Development jobs in Houston, TX?

For Food Research Development jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Research Development jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Research Development jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Food Research Development jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Food Research Development job openings:

Food Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Research Development job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,210 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

R&D Analytical Chemist

Katy, TX • On-site

Koch Industries
Oil and Gas Extraction • 10K+ employees

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 545 rated manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks

Learn more about Koch Industriesexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Your Job
We are seeking an Analytical Chemist to join our Research & Development analytical team at our Katy Technology Center. This role supports business programs, plant operations, method development, troubleshooting efforts, and technical problem-solving. This role is focused on providing analytical expertise, particularly in Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry (ICP), while partnering with stakeholders across the business to solve complex technical challenges.
This hourly role follows a 9/80 schedule, offering a balanced work arrangement with every other Friday off.
Our Team
Our analytical team consists of a diverse mix of scientists and technologists who collaborate closely with engineers, chemists, operations personnel, and other stakeholders across the organization. Reporting to the R&D Analytical Team Leader, the team supports a wide variety of stakeholders, projects, and business needs in a dynamic R&D environment where priorities can evolve quickly. Successful candidates will be comfortable adapting to changing business demands, shifting focus as needed, and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams to help solve complex technical challenges.
What You Will Do
  • Deliver elemental analysis expertise using ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and advanced sample preparation techniques to support R&D programs, manufacturing operations, and technical investigations.
  • Develop, optimize, validate, and improve analytical methods for trace and major element determination across a variety of complex sample matrices.
  • Lead analytical investigations related to product quality, contamination, process upsets, customer concerns, and other technical challenges requiring creative problem-solving.
  • Generate and communicate analytical insights through data interpretation, technical reporting, and collaboration with internal stakeholders.
  • Maintain reliable analytical capability through instrument qualification, calibration, troubleshooting, maintenance, and continuous improvement activities.
  • Partner with scientists, engineers, manufacturing, operations, and quality teams to solve technical challenges and advance business objectives.
  • Adapt priorities and provide analytical support across multiple R&D programs, stakeholders, and business initiatives as project needs and business demands evolve.
  • Work safely in a laboratory environment, including the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to company safety requirements.
  • Handle laboratory materials, samples, and equipment, including lifting and moving materials up to 50 pounds when required.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related scientific discipline.
  • 3+ years of industrial, manufacturing, or R&D laboratory experience in analytical chemistry and elemental analysis
  • 1+ years of hands-on experience with ICP-MS, ICP-OES, sample preparation, microwave digestion, and analytical troubleshooting in a laboratory environment
  • Experience developing, validating, and optimizing analytical methods, including calibration, data interpretation, and statistical evaluation.
  • Experience supporting multiple projects, stakeholders, or business priorities in a dynamic laboratory, manufacturing, or R&D environment.
  • Experience using Microsoft Excel, Word, and laboratory reporting systems.

What Will Put You Ahead
  • Master's degree in Chemistry or related field.
  • Advanced expertise with ICP-MS, including method development and troubleshooting complex analytical challenges.
  • Experience with XRF instrumentation and analysis.
  • Experience with analytical techniques GC, HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR, etc.
  • Knowledge of EPA, ASTM, or other industry analytical methods.

This role is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
As a Koch company, INVISTA has a long history of working to make the world around you a better place. From parts for the automotive industry to medical equipment, air bags, food packaging and clothing, our ingredients in the nylon 6,6 and polypropylene value chains help bring many of life's essential products to market.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).

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