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Food Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Job Title: Sr R&D Food Scientist Scientist will oversee an R&D Lab Assistant to ensure efficient laboratory operations and high-quality experimental support. Responsibilities * Lead and execute ...

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

Associate Researcher

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$71K - $89K/yr

A hands-on Associate Researcher with experience in fiber-reinforced polymer composites for ... Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and ...

Associate Researcher

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$71K - $89K/yr

A hands-on Associate Researcher with experience in fiber-reinforced polymer composites for ... Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and ...

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 ...

Hands-on experience with research and development (R&D) in food science or related fields. * Strong knowledge of food processing principles, ingredient functionality, and manufacturing operations.

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Food Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do food researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 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.

How much do food researchers make in the US?

Food researchers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those with advanced degrees can earn over $80,000 annually.

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 offering better opportunities. 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.

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. This role often requires knowledge of food science, nutrition, and laboratory techniques.

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:
R&D Food Scientist

R&D Food Scientist

Nura

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

NURA USA LLC aims to be the premier next generation ingredient provider focused on delivering better ingredients. Our team consistently demonstrates a relentless desire to help our customers achieve success, pursues sustainable innovative ideas for future generations, and utilizes a long-term strategic approach to be a true partner to our customers in the dietary supplements, food, and beverage industries. NURA USA is looking for a Food Scientist.


Job Description: The ideal candidate for this position has 3 years min experience to help our team

(i) develop food, beverage and supplement formulations and/or commercialize new branded ingredients; (ii) provide customer-facing technical expertise and support to sales team; (iii) substantiate and evaluate current portfolio offerings for customer technical support; and (iv) carry out general R&D lab operational tasks and enhance our SOPs and standards


Primary Responsibilities:


  • 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/Vendor Qualification Standard Operating Procedure.
  • Have a deep understanding of the ingredient's businesses and commercialization of branded ingredients: specifically dietary supplements, food, beverage, and pet industries.
  • Analyze market trends using AI and other available tools (consumer behavior, market segmentation, competitor positioning, etc.) and emerging demands to propose potential new product concepts.
  • Present new product design concepts, benefits and advantages, potential applications to prospective audience.
  • Develop new and innovative applications for food, beverage, and nutrition customers in an end-to-end, agile fashion in an agile fashion
  • Manage material, document, market data, pricing, formulation etc. for research and new formulation development.
  • Conduct experiments to evaluate new ingredients/formulations as defined.
  • Collaborate with New Product Commercialization Team to develop commercialization strategy, go-to-market plan, and support sales activities for new products in a variety of delivery applications.
  • Collaborate with Marketing on content and data required for sell sheets, presentations, publications, etc. for various tradeshows, social media postings, events, meetings, etc.

Sales Team Support

  • A significant portion of your role involves acting as the technical bridge between NURA and our clients. You will support the sales team by providing deep insights into our branded ingredients, competitive advantages, and market positioning, frequently assisting with customer-facing presentations and lead in person formulation workshops.
  • By understanding customer needs, you will develop prototype formulations and technical demonstrations that utilize NURA's ingredient portfolio to solve specific challenges. This includes troubleshooting issues related to ingredient functionality, stability, sensory performance, and cost optimization.
  • You will also provide essential technical documentation for NURA formulations and claim substantiation materials. Through building strong relationships with the technical teams of new and existing customers, you will help manage and prioritize a robust R&D project pipeline and independently manage customer-specific projects from inception through commercialization.
  • Develop prototype formulations, application concepts and technical demonstrations utilizing NURA's ingredient portfolio to support customer evaluations and commercialization opportunities.
  • Support customer formulation and processing troubleshooting related to ingredient functionality, stability, sensory performance, processing conditions and cost optimization.
  • Promote NURA as a technical leader by presenting new product concepts and technologies to existing and potential customers.
  • Partners with sales teams to build a strong R&D project pipeline by identifying and shaping new opportunities & presenting such innovative solutions as prototypes at trade shows & available to distribute as samples
  • Lead customer specific R&D projects and provide technical expertise and support to develop high-quality, cost-effective solutions. Independently manage and track project progression, key milestones and commercialization throughout designated project management systems


General R&D Lab Operations

  • Maintaining a high standard of laboratory operations is essential. You will help establish and enforce laboratory SOPs, testing methodologies, and prototyping procedures to ensure a safe and sanitized R&D environment.
  • Your expertise will directly support powder mix, beverage, and other food and snack application development, including pilot trials and UHT processing evaluations.
  • Additionally, you will coordinate with internal and third-party Quality Control labs to analyze test results and assist NURA USA in achieving and maintaining industry-recognized certifications.
  • Effective team collaboration and priority driven organizational skills will be key to your success in managing these R&D lab operational tasks.
  • You will assist NURA USA to achieve industry recognized certifications and ensure that our lab can meet food safety compliance requirements when making samples and prototypes

Ideal Candidate:

  • The ideal candidate holds a Master's degree in Food Science, Nutritional Science, Chemistry, Material Science, Food Engineering, or a related field. We are looking for professionals at the Mid-Level (3-5 years) or Senior Level (5+ years) of experience within the food industry.
  • A strong foundation in food formulation, food chemistry, microbiology, and processing is required. We highly value candidates with specific experience in beverage formulation, particularly with protein, nutritional, RTD, and functional beverages. An understanding of ingredient stability under various processing conditions, such as thermal processing, pasteurization, and UHT, is highly preferred, along with knowledge of current protein characterization methodologies.
  • Must have strong nutrition, technical, scientific, and regulation background with passion in food, beverage, nutrition industry.
  • Knowledge and understanding of protein characterization methodologies and continued updating of new methods.
  • We are looking for a strategic thinker who is deeply passionate about the food and nutrition industry. You must be comfortable in customer-facing roles, capable of presenting complex technical information to audiences with varying levels of expertise.
  • The successful candidate will think creatively and analytically to solve problems and generate impactful solutions. You should possess strong project management skills, the ability to analyze large datasets, and a proven track record of taking ownership and delivering high-quality results.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills are mandatory.
  • We value positivity and proactiveness, a growth mindset, a sense of urgency, and the adaptability to thrive in a dynamic, collaborative team environment.
  • Willingness to travel up to 20%, is required.