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Food Safety Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

J&J Snack Foods

Senior Food Scientist

Rock Island, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

Report any food safety or quality problems to personnel with authority to initiate action ... Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, or related field. * Minimum 5 years ...

The Farmer's Dog

Senior Food Scientist

New York, NY · On-site

The Senior Food Scientist will drive new formulations and identify opportunities in our current ... You have proficient knowledge of food formulation, food safety, and manufacturing. * You are able ...

The Farmer's Dog

Senior Food Scientist

New York, NY

The Senior Food Scientist will drive new formulations and identify opportunities in our current ... You have proficient knowledge of food formulation, food safety, and manufacturing. * You are able ...

Post Consumer Brands

Sr Scientist

North Branch, MN · On-site

$89K - $132K/yr

Support, implement, and maintain food safety practices as required through SQF. Responsible for ... Manage and develop plant Quality and Food Safety Scientists. * Support site-wide activities where ...

The Pictsweet Company

Food Safety Supervisor

Bells, TN · On-site

Develop and maintain the scientific documentation to support the decision making process that occurs during the risk assessment. * Analyze continuous and discrete food safety data to measure, access ...

Humetis Group

Quality & Food Safety

Albany, GA · On-site

Degree preferred but not required in fields such as Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, Packaging Science, Physics, or Public Health. * Must have: Experience or exposure in Food Safety/Production, and ...

BetterButter

Food Safety Manager

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Required Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline. • 8-10 years of progressive experience in Food Safety, Quality ...

Better Butter

Food Safety Manager

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline. 8-10 years of progressive experience in Food Safety, Quality Assurance, or Quality Systems ...

BetterButter

Food Safety Manager

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Required Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline. • 8-10 years of progressive experience in Food Safety, Quality ...

CookUnity

Food Safety Supervisor

New York, NY

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Safety, or equivalent experience in a high compliance environment * Certified Food Safety Manager (e.g., ServSafe) or equivalent certification * Proven ...

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Food Safety Scientist information

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How much do food safety scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for food safety scientist in the United States is $37.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.85 and $45.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Food Safety Scientists face in ensuring compliance with evolving regulations?

Food Safety Scientists often encounter challenges in keeping up with frequently changing food safety regulations and standards at both national and international levels. This can involve continuous monitoring of regulatory updates, adapting laboratory testing protocols, and effectively communicating changes to cross-functional teams. Staying current requires ongoing professional development and close collaboration with quality assurance, production, and regulatory affairs teams to ensure all processes remain compliant while maintaining operational efficiency.

What is the highest salary for a food scientist?

The highest salaries for food safety scientists can exceed $100,000 annually, especially for those with advanced degrees, extensive experience, or leadership roles in large companies or regulatory agencies. Salaries vary based on location, specialization, and certifications such as HACCP or SQF. Senior-level professionals in the field often earn the highest compensation.

What are Food Safety Scientists?

Food Safety Scientists are professionals who study and monitor the safety of food products to prevent contamination and protect public health. They analyze food samples, develop safety protocols, and ensure compliance with local and international food safety regulations. Their work involves identifying potential hazards, such as pathogens or chemical contaminants, and implementing measures to minimize risks. Food Safety Scientists often collaborate with food producers, regulatory agencies, and laboratories to maintain high standards of food quality and safety.

What does a food safety scientist do?

A food safety scientist researches and develops methods to ensure food products are safe for consumption by analyzing hazards, testing for contaminants, and implementing safety standards. They often work in laboratories, use scientific tools, and may require certifications such as HACCP or ISO standards to perform inspections and quality assessments.

Is there a demand for food scientists?

Food safety scientists are in demand due to increasing regulations and consumer focus on food quality and safety. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as the food industry expands and requires expertise in microbiology, chemistry, and quality assurance to ensure compliance and protect public health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Safety Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Safety Scientist, you need a strong background in microbiology, chemistry, and food science, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, food safety regulations (such as HACCP, FSMA), and data analysis software is essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure the safety and compliance of food products, protect public health, and meet regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Food Safety Scientist vs Food Quality Assurance Specialist?

AspectFood Safety ScientistFood Quality Assurance Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in food science, microbiology, or related field; certifications like HACCPBachelor's in food science, quality assurance, or related; certifications like HACCP
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, food manufacturing plantsQuality control labs, production lines, supplier audits
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing, government agencies, research institutionsFood companies, retail, food service industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Food Safety Scientists focus on identifying and preventing foodborne hazards through research and testing, ensuring compliance with safety standards. Food Quality Assurance Specialists concentrate on maintaining product quality, conducting inspections, and implementing quality control processes. While both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, their primary focus differs: safety versus quality assurance.

How much money do you make as a food scientist?

Food safety scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $65,000 to $75,000, with higher earnings possible with advanced degrees, certifications, and experience. Salaries can vary based on location, employer, and specific responsibilities within food quality assurance and safety testing.
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Food Safety Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Safety Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,572 per year, or $37.3 per hour.
Scientist, Quality - Food Safety

Scientist, Quality - Food Safety

Kraft Heinz Company

Glenview, IL • On-site

$77K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Kraft Heinz rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 432 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Job Summary
This role supports the implementation and execution of key food safety design product attributes within the US and Canada Zones. Role includes reviewing product/process design with R&D to ensure food safety is assured in every phase of the product design and commercialization. The position provides HACCP plan development and validation support to internal/external plants, creating ingredient and/or finish product specifications, validated cooking instructions and Design Safety Analysis (DSA) assessments. This position builds an awareness of regulatory requirements directly related to the product category supported so to advise category business partners. The person will work with various Business Units on food safety related design issues, collaborating with Quality and R&D personnel to address significant product changes.
Key Components of the role:
  • This role provides scientific and technical food safety support to US and Canadian business partners to ensure product safety and quality by participating in evaluation of suppliers and external manufacturers. Identify and communicate food safety risks to BU/Region, giving actionable advice on Food Safety status of products in scope.
  • Conduct validation of designed HACCP preventive controls (Cooking, formulation, etc.) and assess validity of data obtained by others.
  • Work with Product Development/R&D to design in food safety/quality controls, Design Safety Assessments (DSA), cooking instruction validations, and provide general product risk evaluations to the Business Unit.
  • Work Cross-functionally with Quality, Supplier food safety, and procurement to establish food safety specifications for ingredients and ensure compliance.
  • Design and complete challenge studies, shelf-life studies and validation studies to establish critical limits for critical processes. Partner with external institutions and business partners to update/maintain CCP models.
  • Conduct validation studies to evaluate and approve microbiological test methods (rapid and cultural) for the Kraft Heinz Laboratory network.
  • Remain current in scientific and regulatory principles of food safety to ensure most relevant information and emerging issues are identified and incorporated into Kraft Heinz food safety programs.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field required. Master's degree or Ph.D. in Food Microbiology is preferred.
  • 2+ years of experience of relevant food safety or food product development experience required.
  • Prior HACCP certification preferred.
  • Knowledge and implementation of HACCP and Food Safety practices.
  • Knowledge and understanding of regulatory requirements.
  • Experience with microbiology laboratory techniques and rapid test methods.
  • Awareness of quality systems/processes (ISO, Six Sigma etc.)
  • Excellent communication skills (presentation, report writing, guiding/training).
  • Work experience in team-oriented functions as well as individual contribution.
  • Action oriented with good project management skills.
  • Travel requirements up to 20% a year.

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz' strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range:
$77,800.00 - $97,300.00
Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
  • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
  • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
  • Emotional - Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
  • Financial - 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)
Glenview R&D Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

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