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Food Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clemens Food Group

Food Scientist

Coldwater, MI · On-site

Want a traditional lab or bench-based R&D role instead of plant-based execution * Struggle with ... Clemens Food Group does not accept unsolicited resumes from search or staffing firms. All resumes ...

Aspen Enterprises LTD

Senior Scientist, R&D

Lincoln, RI · On-site

$89K - $114K/yr

Stay current on new technologies and trends in the food industry * Project Management: Organize and ... Research: Track and evaluate team performance through metrics and provide regular feedback and ...

HACO Culinary

R&D Food Technologist

La Puente, CA

$71K/yr

The R&D Food Technologist is a salaried position based in City of Industry, CA reporting to the R&D Manager. This role supports product development and commercialization for all manufacturing sites ...

GFF Career Page

R&D Food Technologist

La Puente, CA · On-site

$71K/yr

The R&D Food Technologist is a salaried position based in City of Industry, CA reporting to the R&D Manager. This role supports product development and commercialization for all manufacturing sites ...

GFF

R&D Food Technologist

La Puente, CA · On-site

$71K/yr

The R&D Food Technologist is a salaried position based in City of Industry, CA reporting to the R&D Manager. This role supports product development and commercialization for all manufacturing sites ...

7-Eleven

Technical R+D Manager, Food/Bev

Irving, TX · On-site

The Food Research and Development Manager provides technical leadership across the Private Brands portfolio, ensuring products are developed, commercialized, and maintained with scientific rigor.

Westrock Coffee

Food Scientist II - R&D

Conway, AR · On-site

The Food Scientist II functions as the R&D Lead on New Product Development, and Technical Services Projects. They will lead the completion of complex projects from concept through commercialization ...

Chipotle

Food Safety Analyst, R&D

Newport Beach, CA

$77K - $110K/yr

THE OPPORTUNITY As the Analyst, Food Safety Quality Assurance (R&D), you will play a key role in executing daily lab and test kitchen operations at the Chipotle Cultivate Center (CCC). You will be ...

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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 Jun 17, 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 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.

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 jobs pay $2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can pay around $2000 a day often include specialized roles such as senior consultants, surgeons, or experienced executives. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve high levels of responsibility or expertise in fields like finance, medicine, or management.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A food researcher typically does not earn $10,000 a month without a degree, as the role often requires specialized education or experience. However, some high-paying freelance or consulting roles in food development, product testing, or culinary entrepreneurship can reach that income level through self-employment, strong industry reputation, and niche expertise.

What does a food researcher do?

A food researcher studies the properties, safety, and quality of food products to develop new items or improve existing ones. They analyze ingredients, conduct experiments, and use laboratory tools to ensure food meets safety standards and consumer preferences.

What are some typical projects a Food Researcher might 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 Food Researchers?

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 jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the US, high-paying roles such as senior food scientists, food industry executives, and specialized research directors can earn $300,000 or more annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities within large food companies or research institutions.
More about Food Researcher jobs
What states have the most Food Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Researcher jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Food Researcher jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Food Researcher jobs are:
Food Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Researcher job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Food Scientist

Food Scientist

Clemens Food Group

Coldwater, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Clemens Food Group rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

277th of 383 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Why Join as Product Development Technologist - Fresh Foods?
This role offers early career professionals the chance to take ownership of real products, real timelines, and real business impact. You will not sit on the sidelines. You will work directly in a manufacturing environment where your decisions influence what gets produced, how it performs, and how quickly it reaches customers.
The Impact You'll Make
You will drive the execution of multiple product initiatives across fresh pork portfolios. Your work ensures products meet technical standards, launch on time, and perform as expected in a live production environment. You will become a trusted partner to Operations, QA, and Commercial teams by delivering accurate, timely, and practical solutions.
What You'll Do
  • Manage 10-15+ active projects across product development and commercialization
  • Own Bill of Materials (BOM) accuracy, timing, and execution
  • Support plant trials, validations, and production implementation
  • Partner with Operations, QA, and cross-functional teams to solve problems quickly
  • Translate product requirements into clear specifications and production-ready outputs
  • Prioritize competing demands in a fast-moving environment
  • Provide technical support for customer and internal needs

What Makes This Role Exciting?
  • High ownership early in your career
  • Direct exposure to plant operations and real-time decision making
  • Fast-paced environment with constant variety and challenge
  • Opportunity to influence product outcomes at scale
  • Independence to manage your work while being supported by experienced mentors

What We're Looking For
  • Degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Animal Science, or related field
  • Less than 3 years of relevant experience or internships
  • Strong ability to manage multiple priorities at once
  • Comfort working in a fast-paced, sometimes ambiguous environment
  • Solid problem-solving skills and practical thinking

Skills & Mindset
  • Detail-oriented with strong accuracy in execution
  • Self-starter who takes ownership without constant direction
  • Strong communicator across technical and non-technical teams
  • Able to challenge assumptions and improve processes
  • Comfortable balancing desk-based work with plant execution
  • Demonstrates common sense and sound judgment

This role is ideal for people who...
  • Thrive in a fast-paced environment and can manage multiple projects and shift priorities at once
  • Are detail-oriented and execution-focused, ensuring accuracy and getting things right the first time
  • Enjoy working independently to solve problems and apply practical thinking in real-world manufacturing settings.

This role is not ideal for people who...
  • Prefer a slow-paced, highly structured environment with predictable workflows
  • Want a traditional lab or bench-based R&D role instead of plant-based execution
  • Struggle with ambiguity, multitasking, or making decisions without perfect information

Your Future as a Product Development Technologist - Fresh Foods
This role builds a strong foundation in product development, commercialization, and plant operations. You will gain experience that prepares you for advanced roles in R&D, technical leadership, or broader commercial and operational functions within the business.
Agency Statement:
Clemens Food Group does not accept unsolicited resumes from search or staffing firms. All resumes submitted by search or staffing firms to any employee at Clemens Food Group via email, the Internet, or directly without a valid written search agreement for this role, and without having been asked to participate in this by Talent Acquisition, will be deemed the sole property of Clemens Food Group, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired. Firms not authorized to submit candidates will not be eligible for any fee or ownership claim.
EEO Statement:
It is the policy of Clemens Food Group to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. All employees are subject to a pre-employment screening process, including a background check and drug screen. In addition, we will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing the application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to your recruiter.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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