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Food Science Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Louis Dreyfus Company

Food Science Associate

Livermore, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

The Food Science Associate works on the characterization of plant proteins and other food ... Working Conditions • Time split between pilot plant, office and lab environments. There may be ...

Louis Dreyfus Company

Food Science Associate

Livermore, CA

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

The Food Science Associate works on the characterization of plant proteins and other food ... Working Conditions · Time split between pilot plant, office and lab environments. There may be ...

Actalent

Food Lab Technician

Mahwah, NJ

$20 - $24/hr

Food Lab TechnicianOverview: Join our dynamic Food Flavor Development and Manufacturing team as an ... Collaborate with senior scientists and technicians on flavor formulation projects. * Ensure ...

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How much do food science lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for food science lab in the United States is $22.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest salary for a food scientist?

The highest salaries for food scientists can exceed $100,000 annually, especially for those with advanced degrees, extensive experience, or leadership roles in the industry. Senior food scientists or managers working in large companies or specialized sectors tend to earn the highest compensation.

What is the difference between Food Science Lab vs Food Technologist?

AspectFood Science LabFood Technologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Food Science or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, conducting experiments and quality testsProduction facilities, overseeing food processing and product development
Industry UsageResearch, quality control, product testingProduct development, manufacturing, quality assurance

Food Science Lab roles focus on laboratory research, testing, and quality analysis, while Food Technologists work in production environments, developing and improving food products. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often collaborate within the food industry, but their daily tasks and work settings differ.

What is a Food Science Lab?

A Food Science Lab is a specialized facility where scientists and technicians study the physical, chemical, and microbiological properties of food. These labs are used to develop new food products, improve food safety, test quality, and analyze nutritional content. Food Science Labs play a key role in ensuring that the food we eat is safe, nutritious, and meets regulatory standards. They use advanced equipment and techniques to conduct experiments and support the food industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Science Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Science Lab Technician, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, and food safety, often supported by a degree in food science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical testing methods, and safety protocols—along with certifications like HACCP—are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate testing, regulatory compliance, and the consistent quality of food products.

What are some typical challenges faced when working in a Food Science Lab environment?

Working in a Food Science Lab often involves balancing multiple projects with tight deadlines, such as product testing, quality analysis, and research experiments. Professionals must adapt to frequently changing protocols and meticulously document results to ensure accuracy and compliance with food safety regulations. Additionally, collaboration with cross-functional teams—like product development, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs—is essential, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills. Staying current with new technologies and industry standards can also be an ongoing challenge but is key to career growth in this field.

Do food scientists work in labs?

Yes, food scientists typically work in laboratories where they conduct experiments, analyze food samples, and develop new products. Their work often involves using specialized equipment and following safety protocols to ensure food quality and safety.

What is the highest paid job in the food industry?

In the food industry, executive roles such as Food Industry CEOs or Chief Food Scientists tend to be the highest paid, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced knowledge of food science, quality control, and regulatory compliance.

What kind of job can I get with a food science degree?

A food science degree can lead to roles such as food scientist, quality assurance manager, product development specialist, or food safety auditor. These jobs typically involve analyzing food products, developing new items, ensuring regulatory compliance, and may require knowledge of laboratory techniques and food safety standards.
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Food Science Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Science Lab 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 $46,976 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Lecturer of Food Science and Coordinator of Food Science Teaching & Research Facilities and Programs

Maine's Public Universities

Orono, ME • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

Job description


The School of Food and Agriculture (SFA) at the University of Maine seeks applicants for a full-time, 12-month, non-tenure-track Lecturer of Food Science and Coordinator of Food Science Teaching & Research Facilities and Programs. This is a 70% teaching and 30% administrative appointment. Responsibilities include teaching in SFA's Food Science & Human Nutrition program and coordinating operations and activities within the Food Science Teaching & Research Facilities.
The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in the Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSN) program within SFA. Initial teaching responsibilities could include the Science of Food Preparation, Introduction to Food and Nutrition, Food Processing Lab, Research Learning Experiences, Foodservice Management, Field Experience, and Contemporary Issues in the Food Industry. Courses and teaching expectations may change based on School needs and faculty expertise. Additional teaching-related activities to be performed include preparation for lab courses that take place in the food science facilities, supervision of students to ensure safety and sanitation procedures are met, supervision of teaching assistants working within the facilities, and support of additional classes in SFA that involve food preparation, facility safety, and sanitation. This position includes an expectation to mentor students working on honors or capstone projects within the facilities and to participate in faculty meetings, curriculum committee meetings, and program assessments. The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate recruiting efforts, attend open houses, and collaborate on youth summer educational programs for students interested in food science and human nutrition.
In addition to teaching responsibilities, the successful candidate will coordinate operations in the Dr. Matthew Highlands Pilot Plant, Commercial Kitchen, and related teaching and research facilities in Hitchner Hall. Responsibilities include coordinating use of the space by students, faculty, and staff, and providing safety and sanitation training; hiring and supervising student workers in the facilities; communicating with Facilities Management and external contractors for scheduled maintenance and repairs; purchasing supplies and equipment for the facilities, including writing specs and obtaining bids; becoming proficient at operating and maintaining equipment in the facilities and establishing standard operating procedures; acting as the safety officer to train or facilitate training of all relevant facilities users on proper use and safety in the pilot plant, kitchen, and teaching and research labs; acting as point of contact for risk and safety management, maintaining safety records, and anticipating and responding to safety needs; working effectively, proactively, and cooperatively with members of SFA and other users of the facilities and managing agreements for facilities usage; and performing other reasonably related duties as assigned.
SFA offers a B.S. degree program in Food Science and Human Nutrition with three concentrations, of which the Human Nutrition and Dietetics option is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and the Food Science concentration is approved by the Institute of Food Technologists. SFA also offers an M.S. degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition and a Ph.D. in Food and Nutrition Sciences. The University of Maine provides many resources to support the instructional needs of university faculty in 21st-century learning.
About the University:
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu.
The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options.
UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Visit the Maine Office of Tourism to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.
Qualifications:
Required:
  • An M.S. degree in food science or a closely related field.
  • Knowledge and experience in food science and/or food safety.
  • Demonstrated ability or potential to teach food science at the undergraduate level.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor students.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.

Preferred:
  • A Ph.D., or an M.S. degree plus at least 2 years of relevant experience.
  • Record or promise of high professional service and leadership capacity.
  • Record of supervising programmatic activities in food science or a related field.

Other Information:
To be considered for this position you will need to "Apply" and upload the documentation listed below:
1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.
Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on July 15, 2025.
For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair, Jennifer Perry, at jennifer.perry@maine.edu or 207-581-2940.
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).
Clery Act
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. You may view the University's Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.

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