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Full Time Research Development Chef information

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$48.5K

$101.8K

$165K

How much do full time research development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time research development chef in the United States is $101,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Research Development Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Research Development Chef, you need expertise in culinary techniques, recipe development, and a background in food science or culinary arts, often supported by formal training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety standards, and recipe management software is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for innovating new menu items, ensuring product consistency, and successfully leading cross-functional culinary projects.

What are Full Time Research Development Chefs?

Full Time Research Development Chefs are culinary professionals who focus on creating, testing, and perfecting new recipes, menu items, and food products for restaurants, food manufacturers, or hospitality companies. They blend culinary expertise with research and development skills to innovate and improve food offerings, often working closely with marketing, nutrition, and production teams. In this full-time role, they may also oversee product trials, ensure flavor consistency, and keep up with current food trends to meet consumer demands.

What are some common challenges faced by a Full Time Research Development Chef when creating new menu items or products?

A Full Time Research Development Chef often faces challenges such as balancing creativity with cost-effectiveness, ensuring new recipes meet both flavor and nutritional standards, and adapting dishes to various production environments. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—like marketing, procurement, and quality assurance—is essential to ensure that new products are feasible for large-scale production and align with brand standards. Additionally, staying updated with food trends and regulatory requirements can be demanding but is crucial for long-term success.

What is the difference between Full Time Research Development Chef vs Full Time Culinary Scientist?

AspectFull Time Research Development ChefFull Time Culinary Scientist
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degreesFood science degrees, certifications in food safety
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, R&D labs in food companiesLaboratories, food testing facilities, R&D departments
Employer & IndustryFood manufacturing, hospitality, product developmentFood industry, research institutions, product innovation
Search & Comparison IntentYes, often compared for product development rolesYes, related to food innovation and research

Full Time Research Development Chefs focus on creating new recipes and culinary concepts, often working in kitchens or food companies. Culinary Scientists, on the other hand, combine food science and technology to develop and improve food products in labs. Both roles require culinary or food science credentials and are integral to food innovation, but they differ mainly in their work environment and approach to product development.

More about Full Time Research Development Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Full Time Research Development Chef jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Research Development Chef job openings:
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What states have the most Full Time Research Development Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Research Development Chef jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Research Development Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Research Development Chef jobs are:
Full Time Research Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Research Development Chef job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,794 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Research & Development Coordinator

3 Star Lettuce

Salinas, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

The Role: The Research & Development Coordinator is a key role within 3 Star Lettuce. The position is responsible for leading operational activities in the Coast and Central Valley production regions for R&D. The Coordinator will leverage management and horticultural skills to actively lead people and maintain facilities for successful execution of trial programs. This role will advance the trialing capabilities and improve operational excellence for the rapid development of elite commercial varieties for 3 Star Lettuce.

Location(s): Salinas, CA

Areas of Responsibility:

  • Coordinate R&D operations in Coast and Central Valley production regions.
  • Execute trial programs from scheduling and cultivation through seed harvest.
  • Manage full-time employees and supervise contract personnel, occasionally large crews.
  • Maintain facilities in a clean and safe manner including greenhouse, seed processing, and storage.
  • Keep equipment in good working order and trial materials stocked.
  • Keep detailed, up-to-date records across department resources.
  • Actively communicate trial status and updates to internal stakeholders in a clear, actionable way.
  • Identify, evaluate, and deploy innovative solutions to achieve R&D objectives.
  • Support other teams and departments in key activities.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in horticulture, crop science, agronomy, or related field.
  • 5+ years of direct experience in field trial management or breeding operations.
  • Extensive knowledge of vegetable crop production and industry.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office, web/mobile applications, and data entry.
  • Able to troubleshoot and solve problems in a professional and timely manner.
  • Works well with minimal supervision, takes initiative, and is a self-starter.
  • Ability to manage a variable work schedule around crop production.
  • A team player with a can-do attitude and is goal driven.
  • Must have a clean driving record with DMV.
  • Bi-lingual in English/Spanish

Ideal Candidate:

  • Willing and able to travel to other lettuce production areas as needed
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build longterm industry relationships
  • Selfmotivated and capable of working independently with strong attention to detail
  • Enjoys working collaboratively and contributing to a longterm, healthy company culture

Apply