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Meat Scientist Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

R&D Meat Scientist Indiana Packers Corporation (IPC) is a fully integrated retail, foodservice and private label producer of fresh and processed meats based in Delphi, Indiana. Since the start of ...

In this role, you'll apply engineering expertise, leveraging the principles of science and ... Food manufacturing experience required, strong knowledge of meat processing, case ready and ...

... quality meat products in a safe, sanitary, and efficient environment. This role ensures daily ... Science, Food Science, or equivalent experience acquired through work experience. Compensation ...

... Science, or related field required; MBA preferred. * 5+ years of experience in category management, product management, brand management, or food manufacturing. * Experience in protein (bacon), meat ...

... Science, or related field required; MBA preferred. * 5+ years of experience in category management, product management, brand management, or food manufacturing. * Experience in protein (bacon), meat ...

... Science, or related field required; MBA preferred. * 5+ years of experience in category management, product management, brand management, or food manufacturing. * Experience in protein (bacon), meat ...

EHS Manager

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$79K - $107K/yr

... meat, beverages, plant-based alternatives, health and wellness, culinary, and pet nutrition ... Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health and Safety, or a related field ...

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Showing results 1-20

Meat Scientist information

See Indiana salary details

$35.2K

$86.6K

$152.3K

How much do meat scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for meat 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 jobs can you get with a meat science degree?

A meat science degree prepares individuals for careers such as meat technologist, quality assurance manager, meat inspector, product development specialist, and research scientist. These roles often involve working in processing plants, laboratories, or regulatory agencies, utilizing skills in food safety, quality control, and meat processing techniques.

What does a Meat Scientist do?

A Meat Scientist studies the properties, quality, safety, and processing of meat products. They work to enhance meat production efficiency, improve product quality, ensure food safety, and develop new meat products. Their role involves research, testing, and collaboration with farmers, processors, and regulatory agencies.

How much does a meat scientist make?

A meat scientist's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with advanced degrees or specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in research or management roles.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for a Meat Scientist?

Meat Scientists often begin in research, product development, or quality assurance roles within food production companies or research organizations. As you gain experience, there are opportunities to advance to senior scientist, project manager, or leadership positions overseeing teams or entire R&D departments. Some professionals also transition into regulatory affairs, technical sales, or academic research. Career growth is often driven by gaining hands-on experience, earning advanced degrees, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry standards. This field offers a dynamic environment where innovation and collaboration can open doors to diverse career paths.

How to become a meat scientist?

To become a meat scientist, typically a bachelor's degree in meat science, animal science, food science, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or research projects and obtaining advanced degrees such as a master's or Ph.D. can enhance job prospects; knowledge of food safety, quality control, and laboratory techniques is also important.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Meat Scientist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Meat Scientist, you need a strong background in food science, animal science, or a related field, with expertise in meat processing, microbiology, and quality assurance. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, food safety regulations (like HACCP), and analytical testing software is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are highly valued in this role. These capabilities are critical for ensuring meat product quality, safety, and innovation within the food industry.

What does a meat scientist do?

A meat scientist researches and develops methods to improve meat quality, safety, and processing techniques. They analyze factors such as tenderness, flavor, and shelf life, often working in laboratories or processing plants and using tools like sensory evaluation and laboratory testing. Their work supports the meat industry by ensuring products meet safety standards and consumer preferences.
What are the most commonly searched types of Meat Scientist jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Meat Scientist jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Meat Scientist jobs in Indiana? For Meat Scientist jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Meat Scientist job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $86,555 per year, or $41.6 per hour.
R&D Meat Scientist

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

R&D Meat Scientist

Indiana Packers Corporation (IPC) is a fully integrated retail, foodservice and private label producer of fresh and processed meats based in Delphi, Indiana. Since the start of operations in 1991, we have experienced rapid growth from a single pork processing company into a multi-plant diversified producer of fresh and processed meats, with locations throughout America's Heartland and revenues of approximately $1.5B. We are best known for our national brand Kentucky Legend (the best-selling boneless ham brand in the United States) as well as several well-known regional brands, including Indiana Kitchen, Fischer's, Field, Mickelberry's, Kentuckian Gold, and Scott Pete. We now have processing facilities in Frankfort, Indiana; Holland, Michigan; and Owensboro, Kentucky.

We value diversity, innovation, collaboration and those passionate about their jobs. We support our associates by offering a total rewards package, including competitive pay, three different medical care plans (two with company-funded health savings accounts), pharmacy, dental, and vision plans, a retirement/401K (with 50% match on team members' contributions), a competitive paid time off program, educational assistance, and numerous advancement opportunities. With more than 3,100 team members located across 14 different states, we are a big company with a small company culture.

Indiana Packers Corporation is in Delphi, Indiana, just 15 minutes away from the greater Lafayette/West Lafayette area, home of Purdue University.


Summary:

Indiana Packers Corporation is looking for a motivated, hands-on R&D Meat Scientist to lead applied research and product development across our value-added portfolio. This position translates technical and culinary concepts into scalable, commercially viable products, leads plant trials, and partners across Operations, Engineering, QA, Sales and Marketing, and Regulatory to bring products from concept through commercialization while meeting quality, food-safety, and regulatory standards.

This is an onsite position. The duty station will be near one of IPC's facilities (Delphi, IN; Holland, MI; or Owensboro, KY). Estimated travel will depend on the assigned duty station relative to the plant sites.


Responsibilities:

  • Design and execute applied R&D projects focused on product quality, yield improvement, shelf-life extension, and process optimization
  • Develop and optimize formulations, processes, and product specifications to meet customer, quality, regulatory, and operational requirements
  • Lead plant trials and scale-up, troubleshooting processing issues such as bind, emulsion, purge, texture variability, yield, and cook loss
  • Own precise documentation of formulas, specifications, protocols, and process parameters, and prepare clear technical reports
  • Partner with Operations, Engineering, QA, Sales and Marketing, and Regulatory to translate business and customer needs into technical solutions
  • Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive products to identify opportunities

Education and Experience Requirements:

  • 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
  • Strong understanding of meat functionality (protein bind, blending, water activity, cook loss, emulsions) and processing systems
  • Experience in USDA-regulated facilities; working knowledge of USDA-FSIS regulations, HACCP, food-safety management systems, and USDA labeling requirements and standards of identity
  • Proven ability to translate scientific results into practical, commercial solutions, with strong documentation and communication skills
  • Experience in pork processing preferred but not required
  • Additional valued experience (not required): cured, smoked, and further-processed product expertise; sensory evaluation and shelf-life validation; statistical analysis, design of experiments (DOE), and data-driven decision making; and clean-label / ingredient-reduction formulation

Other Duties:

Please note, this job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions on the site including exposure to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The noise level in the work environment can be loud and hearing protection is required. The position regularly works near moving mechanical parts and in cold, hot, and outdoor conditions that include inclement weather, heat and humidity, and exposure to dust.


Physical Demand:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Work is primarily performed in an office setting in a manufacturing environment requiring the ability to sit, talk, hear, frequent walking, standing, and sitting; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. Ability to use standard office equipment such as telephone, computer, and copier.


Background Screening/Checks:

This offer of employment is contingent upon the results of a satisfactory background check, which may include verification of employment, education, criminal background, driving history, and other relevant information deemed jobrelated and lawful. You will be required to sign a separate Disclosure & Authorization Form prior to initiating the required background check(s). The extent of the background check will be determined on the function and level of the position being offered

EOE, including Disability/Veteran

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