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Food Science Lab Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering or related field or relevant ... Must be hard working, reliable and accurate, and able to produce quality lab work at high work load.

Understanding of food science principles * Sensory skills and knowledge of sensory evaluation ... Must be hard working, reliable and accurate, and able to produce quality lab work at high work load.

Senior Innovations Scientist

Mooresville, NC · On-site

$86K - $118K/yr

With unique food science expertise and proprietary processes, we've pioneered many firsts. The fire ... to keep the lab area clean, confirm that samples and ingredients are properly stored, and ...

Lab Technician - HVGC Lab

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

Company Description Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a ... From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins laboratories ...

... lab-related quality activities and support product quality performance on the floor Manage pest ... science, food technology, chemistry, biology, or a related field required; advanced degree is a ...

We are particularly interested in creating new ways to measure and analyze food intake, which is ... Our projects are funded by awards from Schmidt Sciences, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the ...

We are particularly interested in creating new ways to measure and analyze food intake, which is ... Our projects are funded by awards from Schmidt Sciences, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the ...

We are particularly interested in creating new ways to measure and analyze food intake, which is ... Our projects are funded by awards from Schmidt Sciences, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the ...

We are particularly interested in creating new ways to measure and analyze food intake, which is ... Our projects are funded by awards from Schmidt Sciences, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the ...

Laboratory Technician

Mooresville, NC · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

With unique food science expertise and proprietary processes, we've pioneered many firsts. Our ... Set up, calibrate, maintain, and operate lab equipment such as Fourier Transform Infrared ...

Lab Technician (DS)

Mount Olive, NC · On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

Conducts standardized tests on food to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding ... Basic understanding and ability to use scientific rules and methods to solve problems * Ability to ...

Utilize food science experience to produce quality products in line with industry standards ... Manage group to maintain a clean and organized lab space. * Complete all assigned safety training ...

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Food Science Lab information

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How much do food science lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for food science lab in North Carolina is $20.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $25.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 skills and qualifications are needed to work in a food science lab?

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 typical challenges faced when working in a food science lab?

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.

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.

Do food scientists make a lot of money?

Food scientists typically earn a median annual salary that is above the national average, with salaries varying based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, but experienced professionals with advanced degrees and specialized skills can earn higher wages, especially in research and development roles or management positions.

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 laboratory work, product testing, and ensuring compliance with safety standards, often requiring knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, and regulatory guidelines.

What are popular job titles related to Food Science Lab jobs in North Carolina?

For Food Science Lab jobs in North Carolina, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Science Lab jobs in North Carolina look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Science Lab jobs in North Carolina are:

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Food Science Lab jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most Food Science Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Science Lab job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,692 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Food Scientist II

Westrock Coffee

Concord, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and optimize new coffee and tea products from concept to commercialization.

  • Execute sensory tests, analyze data, and make recommendations for product development and improvement.

  • Oversee scale-up processes, troubleshoot trials, and document processing parameters for production.


Westrock Coffee rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

391st of 443 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Working independently, the Food Scientist II is responsible for the development of new products across Coffee and Tea from concept to commercialization. Requires work with multi-disciplinary groups to innovate, optimize and customize food ingredients. Consults directly with sales and customers to meet expectations. This position reports to the Senior Product Development Technical Lead.
Primary Job Functions:
• Product Development
• Project Requests
• Commercialization
• Technical Support
• Raw material assessment
• Additional tasks or projects outside "core" responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
Product Development
* Ideate and Develop new product prototypes and optimization to existing products.
* Improve existing products by optimizing product attributes, efficiencies, etc.
* Develop and maintain accurate records related to the products such as formulas, label development, production process, HACCP, product specification, nutritional data, shelf life, etc.
* Participate on product development teams and cross-functional teams to be the Product Development advocate for internal initiatives, cost-optimization, and ops/qa support.
* Execute sensory tests as-needed, using internal software and statistical analysis to make recommendations for customers or drive development initiatives.
Project Requests
* Independently completes project requests as assigned on-time
* Provide application samples and usage recommendations, as needed
* Tracks project trends and optimizes processes for product development
Commercialization
* Oversee scale-up from bench to production trials, documenting accordingly.
* Develop processing parameters with current equipment for better efficiency and yields
* Troubleshoot trials and provide recommendations for corrective action
Technical Support
* Provide technical support to customers seeking product information and advice as it pertains to product application/usage levels
* Travel independently with Salesperson on customer demonstrations; work with R&D on site.
* Demonstrate knowledge of field protocols and procedures that support products and solutions to Westrock customers
* Provide comprehensive reports on complex data analysis and summaries
Trade Shows
* Serve as Product Development lead on trade show planning teams
* Provide technical assistance to sales in the trade show booth
Raw Material Assessment
* Evaluate, approve, and analyze risk of new or existing ingredients
* Evaluate new raw materials and conduct sensory analysis with a cross-functional group.
* Evaluate technical specification documentation for compliance with S&D requirements
Additional tasks or projects outside "core" responsibility
* Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
* Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering or related field or relevant industry experience.
* Minimum of 3 years of Product Development experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
* Strong understanding of food science principles
* Adept Sensory skills and knowledge of sensory evaluation techniques.
* Experience and knowledge with nutritional data generation and regulatory requirements from USDA and FDA as well as State and local health and food safety code.
* Knowledge of SQF quality systems and related requirements.
* Combination of strong analytical skills and creative thinking.
* Must have excellent PC computer skills and ability to manage data electronically.
* Self-motivated, outgoing, self-starter
* Must be hard working, reliable and accurate, and able to produce quality lab work at high work load.
* Must be willing to travel when needed.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Vets / Disabled

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