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Food Scientist Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Syngenta

Regulated Trialing Manager

Clinton, IL · On-site

$18.25 - $20/hr

Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture. At Syngenta, our ... Minimum Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Weed Science, or related field. * At least 3 ...

Syngenta Group

Regulated Trialing Manager

Clinton, IL · On-site

$18.25 - $20/hr

Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture. At Syngenta, our ... Minimum Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Weed Science, or related field. * At least 3 ...

Tekni-Plex

Join Our Talent Community

Clinton, IL

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

... science solutions that improve lives. Across our Healthcare and Consumer Products divisions, our teams help shape industries including healthcare, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, beauty, and ...

Tekni-Plex

Production Helper 2nd Shift

Clinton, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Every day, you help turn ideas into impact using science, technology, and creativity to tackle real ... food & beverage, beauty, and personal care. Here, your ideas count and your work matters. You'll be ...

Tekni-Plex

Production Helper 2nd Shift

Clinton, IL

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Every day, you help turn ideas into impact using science, technology, and creativity to tackle real ... food & beverage, beauty, and personal care. Here, your ideas count and your work matters. You'll be ...

Tekni-Plex

Production Helper 1st Shift

Clinton, IL

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Every day, you help turn ideas into impact using science, technology, and creativity to tackle real ... food & beverage, beauty, and personal care. Here, your ideas count and your work matters. You'll be ...

Tekni-Plex

Production Helper 2nd Shift

Clinton, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Every day, you help turn ideas into impact using science, technology, and creativity to tackle real ... food & beverage, beauty, and personal care. Here, your ideas count and your work matters. You'll be ...

Tekni-Plex

Production Helper 1st Shift

Clinton, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Every day, you help turn ideas into impact using science, technology, and creativity to tackle real ... food & beverage, beauty, and personal care. Here, your ideas count and your work matters. You'll be ...

Tekni-Plex

Material Mixer - 3rd shift

Clinton, IL

$18.25 - $25/hr

Every day, you help turn ideas into impact using science, technology, and creativity to tackle real ... food & beverage, beauty, and personal care. Here, your ideas count and your work matters. You'll be ...

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Food Scientist information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$35.9K

$88.2K

$155.2K

How much do food scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for food scientist in Decatur, IL is $88,229.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $97,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

What is the highest paying job in food science?

The highest paying roles in food science are often senior positions such as Food Science Directors or R&D Managers, who oversee product development and quality assurance. These roles typically require advanced degrees, leadership skills, and extensive industry experience, with salaries reaching six figures in some cases.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can reach $2000 a day often include specialized roles such as senior food scientists involved in research and development, especially in large corporations or consulting firms. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and expertise in areas like food chemistry, product development, or regulatory compliance. Such roles may also involve consulting or contract work, which can command higher daily rates.

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A food scientist typically requires at least a bachelor's degree, but some related roles in the food industry, such as experienced food product developers or consultants, can earn around $10,000 per month with extensive experience and specialized skills. High-level positions in food manufacturing or quality assurance may also reach this income level without formal degrees if gained through significant industry expertise. However, most high-paying food industry roles generally require relevant education or certifications.

What can you do as a Food Scientist?

A Food Scientist researches and develops food products, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance with regulations. They analyze ingredients, develop new formulations, and improve processing methods using laboratory equipment and scientific techniques. This role often requires knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, and food safety standards.
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Food Scientist jobs near you

Regulated Trialing Manager

Syngenta

Clinton, IL • On-site

$18.25 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Company Description

About Syngenta 

At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel. We're a global Ag Tech powerhouse, headquartered in the United States, with passionate, local experts collaborating with farmers to deliver solutions that create market opportunities.  We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance.  Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme weather pressures, all while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture. 

Job Description

At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. To support this mission, Syngenta's Operations & Trialing Team is seeking a Regulated Trialing Manager in Slater, IA. This role will lead the planning and execution of regulated corn and soybean yield and herbicide-tolerance efficacy field trials across North America.

The Regulated Trialing Manager will ensure regulatory compliance, data integrity, and on-time delivery of trial results supporting advancement commitments. The manager provides day-to-day leadership to a geographically distributed team of Regulated RAs across IA, IN, and IL, and partners cross-functionally with the NA Trialing Team, Seed Ops, and Trait R&D stakeholders.

Accountabilities:

  • Lead the planning and end-to-end execution of regulated corn and soybean yield and HT efficacy field trials across North America, from site selection through harvest and data delivery.
  • Translate trait project objectives into seasonal trial plans - defining locations, designs, timelines, budgets, and success criteria aligned with Stage-Gate governance.
  • Ensure full regulatory compliance and stewardship across all trials, maintaining inspection-ready documentation and zero tolerance for critical findings.
  • Drive data integrity standards, partner with the Statistical Team on experimental design, and deliver clean, analysis-ready datasets and technical reports on time.
  • Lead, develop, and coach a team of 5 Regulated Research Associates across IA, IN, and IL, fostering a culture of accountability, quality, and HSE excellence.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Traits R&D, Seed Ops, Regulatory, and the NA Trialing Team to align on priorities, manage risk, and communicate progress.
  • Serve as a key stakeholder for the TOPS trialing software platform, providing user feedback and driving team adoption.
  • Manage vendor and contract site relationships, including SOWs, performance, and cost control.
Qualifications

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requiring current or future sponsorship (which also includes OPT/CPT and H-1B visas).

Required:

  • Minimum Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Weed Science, or related field.
  • At least 3 years of direct experience in regulated field trial execution (yield and HT efficacy preferred).
  • Proven experience managing and developing technical teams in a field research environment.
  • Strong knowledge of NA cropping systems, herbicide programs, and agricultural equipment.
  • Experience managing trial budgets, including cost tracking, vendor SOWs, and cost-per-site control.
  • Working knowledge of regulatory requirements, stewardship protocols, and compliance documentation for regulated material handling.
  • Proficiency with field trialing tools and software platforms (experience with TOPS or similar trial management systems a plus).
  • Demonstrated commitment to HSE standards and incident reporting protocols.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desired:

  • Experience operating agricultural drones for field data collection or trial assessment is a plus.
Additional Information

What We Offer: 

  • A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs. 
  • Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day. 
  • 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution. 
  • Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits. 

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI 

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. 

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