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Food Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ML Researcher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

AI Tools The Role As an ML Researcher, you own a slice of one of the most interesting open problems ... SF housing, food, laundry and cleaning, healthcare and dental, significant equity, visa sponsorship ...

This is a hands-on, research-forward opportunity to develop a deep, mechanistic understanding of ... Dairy/Food Physical Chemistry: Deep understanding of the interactions between proteins, fats ...

R&D Food Scientist

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Job Title: R&D Food Scientist Location : Paterson, NJ, Onsite Job Type: Direct Hire Compensation : $110,000-$125,000 Shift: 8:30am-5pm (some flexibility) Position Overview We are seeking an ...

R&D Food Scientist

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Job Title: R&D Food Scientist Location : Paterson, NJ, Onsite Job Type: Direct Hire Compensation : $110,000-$125,000 Shift: 8:30am-5pm (some flexibility) Position Overview We are seeking an ...

R&D Food Scientist

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Job Title: R&D Food Scientist Location : Paterson, NJ, Onsite Job Type: Direct Hire Compensation : $110,000-$125,000 Shift: 8:30am-5pm (some flexibility) Position Overview We are seeking an ...

R&D Food Scientist

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Job Title: R&D Food Scientist Location : Paterson, NJ, Onsite Job Type: Direct Hire Compensation : $110,000-$125,000 Shift: 8:30am-5pm (some flexibility) Position Overview We are seeking an ...

R&D Food Scientist

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Job Title: R&D Food Scientist Location : Paterson, NJ, Onsite Job Type: Direct Hire Compensation : $110,000-$125,000 Shift: 8:30am-5pm (some flexibility) Position Overview We are seeking an ...

Develop Food, Beverage and Supplement formulations & support New Branded Ingredient Commercialization * Carry out R&D teams' substantiation and evaluation of ingredients through the New Ingredient ...

R&D Manager

Portage, WI · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

R&D Manager Pennsylvania Food Corporation Portage, Wisconsin, United States About this position The R&D Manager is responsible for leading research, product development, formulation ...

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Food Researcher information

See salary details

$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do food researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for food researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food researcher?

Food Researchers are scientists who study the physical, chemical, and biological properties of food to improve its taste, safety, nutrition, and shelf life. They often work in laboratories, developing new food products, enhancing existing ones, or finding ways to make food production more efficient and sustainable. Their work can involve everything from creating healthier snacks to ensuring food packaging is safe and environmentally friendly. Food Researchers play a crucial role in advancing food technology and ensuring the food we eat is both safe and appealing.

What projects does a food researcher work on, and how do they collaborate with other departments?

Food Researchers often work on projects such as developing new food products, improving existing recipes for better taste or nutrition, and conducting shelf-life studies. Collaboration is key in this role; researchers regularly work alongside food technologists, quality assurance teams, and marketing departments to ensure the final product meets safety standards and consumer preferences. These projects often involve both laboratory experiments and taste tests, requiring strong teamwork and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Researcher, you need a strong background in food science, chemistry, or nutrition, typically backed by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical software, and food safety regulations is crucial, and certifications like HACCP or SQF can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in designing experiments, interpreting data, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are vital to ensuring food products are safe, innovative, and meet both regulatory and consumer standards.

What is the difference between Food Researcher vs Food Scientist?

AspectFood ResearcherFood Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Food Science, Nutrition, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Food Science, Food Technology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, food manufacturing plantsLaboratories, quality control labs, food production settings
Industry UsageResearch and development, product innovationProduct development, quality assurance, safety testing
Common Search IntentResearch roles, food innovation, product testingProduct development, quality control, safety standards

Food Researchers focus on conducting experiments and developing new food products or improving existing ones through research. Food Scientists often work on product development, quality assurance, and ensuring food safety. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in related environments, Food Researchers are more research-oriented, whereas Food Scientists may have broader responsibilities in product and process development.

How to get a job in food research?

To get a job as a food researcher, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in food science, nutrition, or a related field, with advanced degrees preferred for some positions. Relevant skills include laboratory techniques, data analysis, and knowledge of food safety standards. Gaining experience through internships or research projects can improve employment prospects in this field.
More about Food Researcher jobs

What states have the most Food Researcher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Food Researcher jobs include:

Infographic showing various Food Researcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Regulatory Chemical Researcher

Guidehouse

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

$65K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Guidehouse rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Job Family:
Scientist
Travel Required:
Up to 10%
Clearance Required:
Ability to Obtain Public Trust
Our federal client conducts microbiological and chemical food safety, nutrition, and food defense research related to regulated food product safety and efficacy. This position provides chemistry research support to evaluate and improve screening test methods for detecting lead contamination in ceramicware, food contact materials, and food simulants.
As an interdisciplinary team researcher, you will focus on developing and evaluating analytical methods to detect lead in ceramicware and food contact materials, including testing screening kits, conducting laboratory analyses, operating instrumentation, assessing method performance, and developing SOPs. This position follows a hybrid work schedule with an anticipated onsite requirement of three (3) days per week. Additional onsite attendance may be required based on business needs, client requirements, or program demands. Successful candidates will also be required to attend a two (2) day onsite Guidehouse orientation upon hire.
What You Will Do:
  • Provide scientific and laboratory research support to evaluate and improve analytical screening methods for chemical food contaminants
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate analytical chemistry methods for contaminant detection
  • Support single & multi-laboratory validation studies to assess analytical method performance and reproducibility
  • Conduct laboratory analyses using established instrumentation and methodologies in accordance with approved safety, quality, and regulatory protocols
  • Analyze experimental data and perform scientific evaluations to support regulatory decision-making and research objectives
  • Ensure proper collection, documentation, and integrity of laboratory data, including maintaining accurate records and traceability
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, laboratories, and stakeholders to support method development, validation, documentation (i.e. SOP's, technical guides, etc.) and implementation activities.
  • Prepare technical reports, summaries, and presentations to communicate research findings to stakeholders
  • Participate in cross-agency coordination efforts supporting analytical method standardization and regulatory implementation
  • Attend relevant program, laboratory, and organizational meetings in support of project execution
  • Provide monthly status reports to program leadership and project stakeholders including research findings, project schedule and milestone updates;
  • Complete all corporate and client mandatory training and maintain required credentials.

What You Will Need:
  • Master's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related scientific discipline
  • Minimum of one to 3 years of experience in laboratory research or analytical chemistry domain
  • Experience conducting chemical analyses, laboratory testing, and scientific data interpretation
  • Experience with data collection, analysis, and preparation of scientific manuscripts and/or technical reports
  • Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and/or ISO laboratory standards
  • Familiarity with analytical instrumentation and laboratory methodologies
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional team environments
  • Understanding of regulatory interpretations (e.g. CMC), targets (e.g. product efficacy/safety thresholds).
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD "public trust"; candidates must obtain approved adjudication of their public trust prior to onboarding with Guidehouse. Candidates with an active public trust or suitability are preferred

What Would Be Nice To Have:
  • PhD degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline
  • Experience working with food safety, chemical contaminants, or food contact material testing
  • Experience with public health, regulatory science operations or research initiatives
  • Familiarity with chromatographic, spectroscopic, or mass spectrometry techniques
  • Experience preparing scientific publications, regulatory documentation, or technical reports

The annual salary range for this position is $65,000.00-$108,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.
What We Offer:
Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.
Benefits include:
  • Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
  • Parental Leave
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Group Term Life and Travel Assistance
  • Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
  • Care.com annual membership
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.)
  • Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus

About Guidehouse
Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer-Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.
All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or guidehouse@myworkday.com. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.
If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse's Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact recruiting@guidehouse.com. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant's dealings with unauthorized third parties.
Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.

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