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Food Science Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lab Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

LaSalle Network is partnering with a leading consumer products organization to hire an R&D Lab ... The ideal candidate is an early-career food science professional with strong technical curiosity ...

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 ...

R&D Lab Technician

Piscataway, NJ · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description The R&D Lab Technician is a detail-oriented quality focused individual who will support the Food Scientists within the R&D Department at New Classic Cooking. This role ...

... lab technicians and define what good looks like across the bench. A food science degree is preferred but not required. Demonstrated bench experience, shipped products, and functional beverage ...

Laboratory Technician

Elk River, MN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... lab role focused on food safety and quality testing . Works closely with production and quality ... Escalate complex issues when required Required Qualifications * Entry-level (science/lab background ...

Lab Technician

Reading, PA

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

Perform receiving lab duties including weighing trucks, observing sample collections, and ... Prefer two year applied science degree in Food Science, Dairy Science or Microbiology * 1 year ...

... lab technicians and define what good looks like across the bench. A food science degree is preferred but not required. Demonstrated bench experience, shipped products, and functional beverage ...

Prepare test sheets, conduct lab trials, and document outcomes. * Write and finalize recipes and ... Apply nutrition science and food service principles to sustain data quality across the AFRS ...

... lab technicians and define what good looks like across the bench. A food science degree is preferred but not required. Demonstrated bench experience, shipped products, and functional beverage ...

Lab Technician

Reading, PA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

Perform receiving lab duties including weighing trucks, observing sample collections, and ... Prefer two year applied science degree in Food Science, Dairy Science or Microbiology * 1 year ...

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Food Science Lab information

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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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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.
Senior Research & Development Scientist - Dairy

Senior Research & Development Scientist - Dairy

CPS, Inc. (Food & Beverage Division)

Kenosha, WI • On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Senior Research & Development Scientist DairyThe Senior Research & Development Scientist Dairy is responsible for leading and executing research initiatives focused on dairy-based ingredients, enzyme hydrolysis, and flavor development. This role requires a strong scientific foundation in food science, chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related discipline, along with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to drive innovation and process improvements.Key responsibilities include designing and conducting experiments, performing analytical and instrumental testing, and interpreting data to support product development efforts from concept through scale-up and commercialization.Key Duties & Responsibilities:Design and execute laboratory experiments, including enzyme hydrolysis, analytical testing, statistical analysis, and data interpretation.Develop and optimize dairy-based ingredient formulations using enzymes, flavor systems, and other functional components.Establish and refine analytical methods to evaluate product stability, functionality, and quality.Prepare nutritional labeling and product specifications while ensuring compliance with food regulations.Evaluate new technologies and process improvements related to enzyme hydrolysis, spray drying, and ingredient performance.Provide technical expertise in dairy ingredient applications and analytical methods.Maintain detailed project documentation, including batch records, test results, and reports.Conduct sensory evaluations to assess flavor, texture, and overall performance.Stay current on industry trends, scientific advancements, and regulatory changes.Apply knowledge of ingredient functionality to support troubleshooting and formulation optimization.Partner with R&D leadership on strategic initiatives and product development.Collaborate with QA to support testing, troubleshooting, and compliance.Communicate results and recommendations to cross-functional teams.Support scale-up efforts through formulation refinement and process optimization.Oversee and mentor the R&D Lab Assistant to ensure efficient lab operations.Maintain an organized lab environment, including inventory and equipment calibration.Ensure adherence to food safety and regulatory standards (FDA, FSMA, GFSI).Salary$110,000 - $130,000 + BonusBenefits AvailableRequirements / Skills:Education: Bachelor?s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or a related field required. An advanced degree (Master?s or Ph.D.) is preferred but not required.Experience: 4+ years of relevant industry experience preferred.Strong background in biotechnology, enzyme hydrolysis, or food science is required; experience with spray drying is a plus.Demonstrated experience developing and optimizing analytical testing methods using scientific literature and available laboratory equipment, with a preference for hands-on expertise.Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a cross-functional, multidisciplinary team.Proven ability to initiate and manage R&D projects from concept through execution.**If you?d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Mike Ribando at mribando cps4jobs.com.JO: 41.26MR#LI-MR1