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Ingredient Development Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Nutrition

R&D Scientist

Ogden, UT · On-site

The R&D Scientist is responsible for managing research and development projects involving new ... Prepare and issue specifications for new ingredients and finished products. QUALIFICATION ...

American Nutrition

R&D Scientist

Bern, KS

The R&D Scientist is responsible for managing research and development projects involving new ... Prepare and issue specifications for new ingredients and finished products. QUALIFICATION ...

Nestle

Product Development Scientist

Fremont, MI

As a Scientist Product Development, you will be responsible for creating and developing new and ... Conduct research to stay current with trends in cooking techniques, ingredients, cuisines, and baby ...

Alphia

R&D Scientist

Ogden, UT · On-site +1

The R&D Scientist is responsible for managing research and development projects involving new ... Prepare and issue specifications for new ingredients and finished products. QUALIFICATION ...

Unilever

Product Development Scientist

Trumbull, CT · On-site

$71K - $107K/yr

The Product Development Scientist will play a pivotal role in supporting the creation of top-tier ... Responsible for identifying and establishing appropriate ingredient and process technology for ...

NSF

Research and Development Scientist

Traverse City, MI · On-site

... ingredients and botanicals, and cosmetics testing. The Scientist - Chemistry is a hands-on R&D role ... contributing to that expansion, focused on executing analytical method development, optimization ...

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How much do ingredient development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for ingredient development scientist in the United States is $38.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.37 and $46.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Ingredient Development Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Ingredient Development Scientist, you need a solid background in food science, chemistry, or a related field, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or advanced degree. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, analytical testing methods, and regulatory compliance systems like FDA or EFSA guidelines is essential. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and project management skills help drive innovation and effective teamwork. These competencies ensure safe, high-quality ingredient development that meets both industry standards and consumer needs.

What are some common challenges faced by Ingredient Development Scientists when creating new food ingredients?

Ingredient Development Scientists often encounter challenges such as balancing taste, texture, and nutritional value while meeting regulatory requirements and cost constraints. They must also ensure ingredient stability in various processing conditions and compatibility with other components in a product. Collaboration with cross-functional teams in R&D, quality assurance, and production is critical to address formulation hurdles and scale innovations from lab to commercial production. Staying up-to-date with consumer trends and emerging technologies further adds to the complexity of the role.

What are Ingredient Development Scientists?

Ingredient Development Scientists are professionals who research, design, and test new ingredients for use in foods, beverages, cosmetics, and other consumer products. They work to improve the safety, functionality, nutritional value, and sensory qualities of ingredients. Their role often involves collaborating with other scientists, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Ingredient Development Scientists play a crucial part in creating innovative products that meet consumer needs and market trends.

What is the difference between Ingredient Development Scientist vs Food Scientist?

AspectIngredient Development ScientistFood Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Food Science, Chemistry, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Food Science, Chemistry, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D facilities, product development teamsLaboratories, quality assurance, research settings
Industry UsageFood manufacturing, ingredient suppliers, R&D companiesFood production, quality control, research institutions
Common Search IntentDeveloping new ingredients, improving formulationsOverall food product development, safety, and quality

Ingredient Development Scientists focus specifically on creating and optimizing ingredients used in food products, while Food Scientists have a broader role encompassing overall food product development, safety, and quality assurance. Both roles often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

Infographic showing various Ingredient Development Scientist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% As Needed, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,420 per year, or $38.7 per hour.
R&D Scientist

R&D Scientist

American Nutrition

Ogden, UT • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

JOB PURPOSE:

Alphia, one of the nation’s leading custom pet food manufacturing companies, is looking for a skilled R&D Scientist. The R&D Scientist is responsible for managing research and development projects involving new product and process development, production trials, least-cost formulation, product/process improvement, technical sales support, etc. Product area responsibilities will include dry extruded and baked pet foods and snacks/treats.

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  • Demonstrate strong project management skills on research and development projects as assigned.
  • Actively participate as a key contributor to new products development.
  • Formulate dry extruded and baked pet foods and snacks/treats according to defined parameters.
  • Oversee/conduct plant trials on assigned projects at various production facilities.
  • Trouble-shoot and resolve production and product quality issues experienced at the plant level.
  • Work effectively on multidisciplinary teams within the company and with external customers and suppliers to accomplish project objectives.
  • Provide technical sales support.
  • Comprehend and apply food science and pet nutrition principles effectively in project work.
  • Prepare and issue specifications for new ingredients and finished products.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (To perform this job successfully, and individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required).

  • BS in Food Science, Animal Science, Nutrition, or equivalent required.
  • 5 years of experience in pet food, food science, or related field preferred.
  • Experience in successfully bringing new, innovative products to market.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of ingredient functionality and food manufacturing processes.
  • Strong communication and project management skills.
  • Creativity and problem-solving ability.
  • Collect and interpret data and make recommendations.
  • Experience with working effectively in a plant environment preferred.
  • Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel.

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