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Food Science Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JBT Marel Corporation

Food Lab Technician

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Properly use and maintain lab equipment/supplies according to specifications. * Perform basic food ... Basic Qualifications: * BS degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Food Engineering, or related areas ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Food Lab Technician

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Properly use and maintain lab equipment/supplies according to specifications. * Perform basic food ... Basic Qualifications: * BS degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Food Engineering, or related areas ...

Eurofins Scientific

Food Scientist

Lafayette, CO

Company Description The National Food Lab is a fast-growing company with a vision to be the ... PhD degree from an IFT accredited food science program, or equivalent combination of education and ...

Bevi

Associate Food Scientist, Beverages

Boston, MA · Hybrid

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related scientific field. * Experience: 1-3 years of experience in a lab setting (internship experience in food or beverage ...

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How much do food science lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 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 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.
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Food Science Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Science Lab job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, 84% Full Time, 5% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,976 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Food Lab Technician

JBT Marel Corporation

Lakeland, FL • On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities:
  • Work with Food Laboratory staff to conduct pathogen challenge studies and shelf-life studies in food products.
  • Follow SOPs, GMPs, manuals, specifications, and other laboratory procedures as directed.
  • Prepare and maintain media and chemical solutions utilizing proper handling, storage, use, and disposal techniques to ensure safety, hygiene, and integrity of results.
  • Record and enter data accurately and communicate results on a specified timeline.
  • Properly use and maintain lab equipment/supplies according to specifications.
  • Perform basic food microbiology testing, including sample preparation, inoculation, plating with culture and 3M Petrifilm® methods, and rapid tests according to lab procedures.
  • Assist with maintaining an extensive microorganism library.
  • Perform basic food chemistry (pH, aW) and food texture analyses.
  • Conduct or assist with special projects as necessary, which could include non-standard analyses, development of methods, validation of new equipment and production of benchtop food samples.
  • Key performance measurements will include but may not be limited to: timeliness and proficiency in laboratory activities, accuracy and thoroughness documenting results, upkeep and organization of the laboratory, and contribution to enhancing lab practices and methods.

Required Skills:
  • Competencies in basic microbiology techniques should include pipetting, performing serial dilutions, Gram staining, visual organism identification, spread/pour plating, reading plates.
  • Basic computer skills, including use of MS Excel
  • Good verbal and written communication skills

Working Conditions:
  • Up to 100% of time will be spent in a laboratory setting.
  • Must be able to work safely with foodborne pathogens (including, but not limited to, coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes) in a BSL-2 environment.
  • Must be able to handle food products of all types without objection.
  • Must be able to frequently lift up to 25 lbs and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • May require extended periods of sitting and/or standing with occasional kneeling or crouching.

Basic Qualifications:
  • BS degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Food Engineering, or related areas (Meat Science, Chemical Engineering, or hard sciences like Chemistry or Organic/Bio-chemistry)
  • Local candidates are preferred.
  • Skills and/or knowledge that will be advanced: microbiological techniques for the food industry, quality analyses for the food industry, experimental design and data analysis, basic food formulation and processing for a variety of applications, food safety regulations in North America

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