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Food Scientist Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Zentis USA

Food Scientist II

Plymouth, IN · On-site

$70 - $98/hr

Food Scientist II Plymouth, IN, US 6 days ago Requisition ID: 1550 At Zentis - We are Fruit Masters! Zentis is Europe's number one fruit processing company and one of the leading brand manufacturers ...

Zentis North America

Food Scientist II

Plymouth, IN

The Food Scientist II in Research & Development is responsible for developing new products and technologies with strategic importance to Zentis, ultimately leading to the growth and stability of the ...

ADP, Inc.

R&D Food Scientist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

R&D Food Scientist Manufacturing Plant, Indianapolis, IN, US 3 days ago Requisition ID: 5054 Heartland Food Products Group is a global leader in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, producing ...

Heartland FPG

R&D Food Scientist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

The Food Scientist will lead and drive product innovation projects, product renovation projects, and alternate material projects for the company. Key categories will include protein and nutrition ...

saturn petcare, inc.

R&D Food Scientist

Terre Haute, IN · On-site

Masters degree in companion animal nutrition, animal sciences, food sciences, chemical engineering, or related field.* Prior pet food R&D experience is highly desirable and preferred.* Knowledge and ...

Specialty Foods Group

R&D Meat Scientist

Delphi, IN · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Animal Science, or related discipline; Master's or PhD preferred * Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on experience in meat / food product development

Indiana Packers Corporation

R&D Meat Scientist

Delphi, IN · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Bachelor's degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Animal Science, or related discipline; Master's or PhD preferred * Minimum of 3-5 years of hands‑on experience in meat / food product development

Johnson & Johnson

Sr. Sterilization Scientist

Warsaw, IN · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

University/Bachelor's or equivalent degree in Microbiology, Biomedical Science, Engineering, Food Science or related field is required. Experience and Skills: Required: * Minimum of two to four (2-4) ...

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All JobsFood Scientist JobsFood Scientist Jobs in Indiana

Food Scientist information

See Indiana salary details

$35.2K

$86.6K

$152.3K

How much do food scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for food scientist in Indiana is $86,555.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,700.00 and $95,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a food scientist do?

A food scientist studies the physical, biological, and chemical makeup of food to develop safe, nutritious, and flavorful food products. They work on improving existing food items, creating new products, and ensuring quality and safety standards are met. Food scientists also research ways to process, preserve, package, and distribute food efficiently. Their work helps ensure the food supply is safe, sustainable, and appealing to consumers.

How to become a food scientist?

A food scientist studies the taste, quality, processing, and production of food. You can become a food scientist by completing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, dietetics and nutrition, or food science. You can then pursue a master’s degree to improve your job outlook, secure higher-ranking positions within the food industry, or specialize in a specific area of food science. You can also work toward a doctorate in food science and technology to do research in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Scientist, you need a strong background in food chemistry, microbiology, and product development, usually supported by a degree in food science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, sensory analysis tools, and regulatory compliance systems like HACCP is essential. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills ensure the development of safe, high-quality food products and compliance with industry standards.

What are some of the typical challenges a food scientist faces when developing new products?

Food Scientists often encounter challenges balancing consumer preferences, regulatory requirements, and production costs when developing new products. For instance, they must ensure that a product meets safety and labeling standards while also achieving the desired taste, texture, and shelf life. Additionally, working collaboratively with marketing, quality assurance, and production teams to bring a product from concept to launch can present logistical and communication hurdles. Staying current with emerging food trends and technologies is also crucial to remain competitive in the industry.

What is the difference between Food Scientist vs Food Technologist?

AspectFood ScientistFood Technologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Food Science, Chemistry, or related fieldBachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product development, quality controlManufacturing facilities, quality assurance, production lines
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing, research institutions, government agenciesFood production companies, processing plants, quality assurance departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in food research and developmentExploring careers in food production and quality control

Food Scientists focus on research, product development, and improving food safety, often working in labs. Food Technologists typically work in manufacturing settings, applying scientific principles to produce and ensure the quality of food products. While their roles overlap, Food Scientists are more research-oriented, whereas Food Technologists are more involved in production processes.

Are food scientists in demand?

Food scientists are in demand due to the growing focus on food safety, product development, and nutrition. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as companies seek expertise in quality control, research, and innovation within the food industry.

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 are job opportunities in food science?

Food scientists can find job opportunities in food manufacturing, research and development, quality assurance, and regulatory agencies. They often work in laboratories, production facilities, or corporate settings, utilizing skills in chemistry, microbiology, and food safety standards. Certifications such as HACCP or SQF can enhance employment prospects.

What can you do as a food scientist?

A food scientist researches and develops food products, ensuring safety, quality, and nutritional value. They analyze ingredients, test for contaminants, and develop new food processes or formulations, often using laboratory equipment and scientific methods. Their work supports food manufacturing, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
More about Food Scientist jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Scientist jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Food Scientist jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Scientist jobs in Indiana?

For Food Scientist jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Scientist jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Scientist jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Food Scientist jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Food Scientist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Food Scientist jobs in IN?

For Food Scientist jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Food Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Scientist job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,555 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Food Scientist II

Zentis USA

Plymouth, IN • On-site

$70 - $98/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Food Scientist II

Plymouth, IN, US

6 days ago Requisition ID: 1550

At Zentis - We are Fruit Masters!

Zentis is Europe's number one fruit processing company and one of the leading brand manufacturers of jams, sweets, and custard-based desserts. The Company's North America operations are located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Plymouth, Indiana, where we produce fruit and dairy preparations for a variety of customers including yogurt, ice cream and bakery manufacturers. We are currently looking to recruit a Food Scientist II for our Plymouth location.

The Food Scientist II in Research & Development is responsible for developing new products and technologies with strategic importance to Zentis, ultimately leading to the growth and stability of the business. This is accomplished by fostering close interactions with Sales and Zentis customers to effectively manage projects and develop new business.

The Food Scientist II is also responsible for managing the direction of individual projects in the business by monitoring the external market for consumer trends, new ingredients and processing technologies. As a participant in the global Zentis R&D community, the Food Scientist II interacts with colleagues in other Zentis locations to seek assistance on projects and offer ideas to others working in similar applications. Areas of focus for projects may include beverages, ice cream, bakery fillings and glazes and dairy or dairy-alternative product applications.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Independently leads product development projects from concept through commercialization, partnering directly with Sales, Operations, Quality, Procurement, and Manufacturing to deliver customer and business objectives. Utilizes DMS and MES systems to develop, optimize, and commercialize formulations while ensuring manufacturability and cost targets are achieved. Applies strong project management skills to manage multiple priorities, identify risks, and drive timely decisions across cross-functional teams. Serves as a primary technical contact during customer interactions and confidently presents concepts, technical recommendations, and project updates. Anticipates technical challenges and develops innovative solutions that balance customer requirements, operational capabilities, and business needs. Provides guidance and technical support to junior scientists and technicians.
  • Designs and executes complex experimental plans using statistical analysis to develop products, optimize processes, and resolve product quality challenges. Independently establishes product specifications, process parameters, and validation criteria that balance customer requirements, manufacturing capability, and business objectives. Evaluates existing analytical methods and develops enhanced testing approaches to improve product understanding, troubleshooting, and quality assurance. Partners directly with suppliers, customers, laboratories, and industry resources to benchmark practices, evaluate new technologies, and align testing methodologies with industry standards. Provides technical guidance to junior scientists in experimental design, data interpretation, and problem-solving methodologies.
  • Leads successful scale-up and commercialization activities to consistently achieve Right-First-Time (RFT) targets while balancing customer expectations, product quality, operational efficiency, and cost requirements. Applies advanced knowledge of ingredient functionality, processing conditions, and manufacturing capabilities across multiple facilities and production lines to proactively identify commercialization risks. Designs and executes pilot plant and intermediary scale-up plans to validate formulations and manufacturing processes prior to full-scale production. Partners closely with Operations, Quality, Procurement, and Production teams to resolve startup challenges and implement effective corrective actions. Independently leads investigations involving formulation, ingredient, or process-related failures and develops sustainable solutions to improve future commercialization success.
  • Assist with cost and productivity improvement initiatives as needed to ensure that product quality and customer requirements are not compromised.
  • Set up systems and programs to maintain development laboratories in a neat and organized manner to allow for efficient operation by utilizing designated procedures and systems. Suggest upgrades as needed.
  • Build expertise in Zentis’ business areas through collaboration with other Scientists. Share knowledge during project work to support business success and contribute to the development of other team members
Formal Education Required
  • Minimum: B.S. in Food Science, Food Engineering, Culinology or related food technical field. Also open to consider Chemistry, Biochemistry and Biology degrees.
Specific Experience and Key Knowledge Requirements
  • Minimum 5-8 years food industry R&D experience in related product areas or 4-7 yrs experience with a M.S. degree and related thesis; expertise in formulation, process scale-up, food regulations, use of functional ingredients such as stabilizers (starches, pectins gums), colors, flavors, texturizing ingredients and fruit formulations. Inclination to understand problems and find sustainable solutions. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Special Skills and Abilities Required
  • Positive, proactive work ethic
  • Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to make decisions and solve problems independently and through collaboration with others
  • Comfortable presenting technical information to customers and internal partners
  • Ability to analyze quantitative data and summarize findings
  • Strong familiarity with functional ingredients, product formulations, thermal processes and production scale equipment
  • Strong computer software programs proficiency Microsoft Office 365 applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook. Familiarity with SAP and formula management applications a plus.
  • Ability to represent the company externally in a professional and supportive manner.
  • Able to travel to support business initiatives.
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