ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Scientist Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Nura

R&D Food Scientist

Irvine, CA · On-site

NURA USA is looking for a Food Scientist. The ideal candidate for this position has 3 years min experience to help our team (i) develop food, beverage and supplement formulations and/or commercialize ...

Nura

R&D Food Scientist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

NURA USA is looking for a Food Scientist. The ideal candidate for this position has 3 years min experience to help our team (i) develop food, beverage and supplement formulations and/or commercialize ...

Nura

R&D Food Scientist

Irvine, CA · On-site

NURA USA is looking for a Food Scientist. The ideal candidate for this position has 3 years min experience to help our team (i) develop food, beverage and supplement formulations and/or commercialize ...

MeriCal LLC

Nutrition Scientist

Orange, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

MS or higher degree in nutrition science or food science. * 2+ years of experience in dietary supplement industry with expert knowledge of nutrition and dietary supplement formulation and technology.

CTK OTC Laboratories LLC

R&D Scientist

Corona, CA · On-site

· Develop, modify, and optimize formulations for skincare, color cosmetics, suncare, hair care, body care, personal care, and applicable OTC products. · Translate customer and marketing briefs into ...

Solina

Associate Food Technologist

Eastvale, CA

Strong scientific knowledge of meat, non-meat ingredients and their functionality. Able to work ... Continuously improves and updates food/meat science and product development skills and understands ...

Astrix Inc

QA Lead (Food)

Pomona, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or a related field, or equivalent experience. * Minimum 3 years of experience in a food manufacturing environment. * At least 1 year of experience in a quality ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Scientist JobsFood Scientist Jobs in Riverside, CA

Food Scientist information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$38.6K

$94.9K

$166.9K

How much do food scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for food scientist in Riverside, CA is $94,897.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,900.00 and $104,300.00 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 Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Food Scientist jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Scientist jobs in Riverside, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Food Scientist jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Scientist jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Food Scientist jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Food Scientist job openings:

Food Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Scientist job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,897 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

R&D Food Scientist

Nura

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

NURA USA LLC aims to be the premier next generation ingredient provider focused on delivering better ingredients. Our team consistently demonstrates a relentless desire to help our customers achieve success, pursues sustainable innovative ideas for future generations, and utilizes a long-term strategic approach to be a true partner to our customers in the dietary supplements, food, and beverage industries. NURA USA is looking for a Food Scientist.


Job Description:  The ideal candidate for this position has 3 years min experience to help our team

(i) develop food, beverage and supplement formulations and/or commercialize new branded ingredients; (ii) provide customer-facing technical expertise and support to sales team; (iii) substantiate and evaluate current portfolio offerings for customer technical support; and (iv) carry out general R&D lab operational tasks and enhance our SOPs and standards


Primary Responsibilities: 


  • Develop Food, Beverage and Supplement formulations & support New Branded Ingredient Commercialization
  • Carry out R&D teams’ substantiation and evaluation of ingredients through the New Ingredient/Vendor Qualification Standard Operating Procedure.
  • Have a deep understanding of the ingredient’s businesses and commercialization of branded ingredients: specifically dietary supplements, food, beverage, and pet industries.
  • Analyze market trends using AI and other available tools (consumer behavior, market segmentation, competitor positioning, etc.) and emerging demands to propose potential new product concepts.
  • Present new product design concepts, benefits and advantages, potential applications to prospective audience.
  • Develop new and innovative applications for food, beverage, and nutrition customers in an end-to-end, agile fashion in an agile fashion
  • Manage material, document, market data, pricing, formulation etc. for research and new formulation development.
  • Conduct experiments to evaluate new ingredients/formulations as defined.
  • Collaborate with New Product Commercialization Team to develop commercialization strategy, go-to-market plan, and support sales activities for new products in a variety of delivery applications.
  • Collaborate with Marketing on content and data required for sell sheets, presentations, publications, etc. for various tradeshows, social media postings, events, meetings, etc.

Sales Team Support

  • A significant portion of your role involves acting as the technical bridge between NURA and our clients. You will support the sales team by providing deep insights into our branded ingredients, competitive advantages, and market positioning, frequently assisting with customer-facing presentations and lead in person formulation workshops.
  • By understanding customer needs, you will develop prototype formulations and technical demonstrations that utilize NURA’s ingredient portfolio to solve specific challenges. This includes troubleshooting issues related to ingredient functionality, stability, sensory performance, and cost optimization.
  • You will also provide essential technical documentation for NURA formulations and claim substantiation materials. Through building strong relationships with the technical teams of new and existing customers, you will help manage and prioritize a robust R&D project pipeline and independently manage customer-specific projects from inception through commercialization.
  • Develop prototype formulations, application concepts and technical demonstrations utilizing NURA's ingredient portfolio to support customer evaluations and commercialization opportunities.
  • Support customer formulation and processing troubleshooting related to ingredient functionality, stability, sensory performance, processing conditions and cost optimization.
  • Promote NURA as a technical leader by presenting new product concepts and technologies to existing and potential customers.
  • Partners with sales teams to build a strong R&D project pipeline by identifying and shaping new opportunities & presenting such innovative solutions as prototypes at trade shows & available to distribute as samples
  • Lead customer specific R&D projects and provide technical expertise and support to develop high-quality, cost-effective solutions. Independently manage and track project progression, key milestones and commercialization throughout designated project management systems


General R&D Lab Operations

  • Maintaining a high standard of laboratory operations is essential. You will help establish and enforce laboratory SOPs, testing methodologies, and prototyping procedures to ensure a safe and sanitized R&D environment.
  • Your expertise will directly support powder mix, beverage, and other food and snack application development, including pilot trials and UHT processing evaluations.
  • Additionally, you will coordinate with internal and third-party Quality Control labs to analyze test results and assist NURA USA in achieving and maintaining industry-recognized certifications.
  • Effective team collaboration and priority driven organizational skills will be key to your success in managing these R&D lab operational tasks.
  • You will assist NURA USA to achieve industry recognized certifications and ensure that our lab can meet food safety compliance requirements when making samples and prototypes

Ideal Candidate:

  • The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree in Food Science, Nutritional Science, Chemistry, Material Science, Food Engineering, or a related field. We are looking for professionals at the Mid-Level (3-5 years) or Senior Level (5+ years) of experience within the food industry.
  • A strong foundation in food formulation, food chemistry, microbiology, and processing is required. We highly value candidates with specific experience in beverage formulation, particularly with protein, nutritional, RTD, and functional beverages. An understanding of ingredient stability under various processing conditions, such as thermal processing, pasteurization, and UHT, is highly preferred, along with knowledge of current protein characterization methodologies.
  • Must have strong nutrition, technical, scientific, and regulation background with passion in food, beverage, nutrition industry.
  • Knowledge and understanding of protein characterization methodologies and continued updating of new methods.
  • We are looking for a strategic thinker who is deeply passionate about the food and nutrition industry. You must be comfortable in customer-facing roles, capable of presenting complex technical information to audiences with varying levels of expertise.
  • The successful candidate will think creatively and analytically to solve problems and generate impactful solutions. You should possess strong project management skills, the ability to analyze large datasets, and a proven track record of taking ownership and delivering high-quality results.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills are mandatory.
  • We value positivity and proactiveness, a growth mindset, a sense of urgency, and the adaptability to thrive in a dynamic, collaborative team environment.
  • Willingness to travel up to 20%, is required.