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Meat Scientist Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Gianteagle

Meat Team Leader

Mentor On The Lake, OH

Meat Cutting, Meat Processing or Meat Science Lifting Requirement: Up to 100 pounds Travel Required: None Age Requirement: At least 18 years of age Job Responsibilities * Your principal, main, major ...

SCHWAN'S

Principal Food Scientist

Gahanna, OH · On-site

$107K - $178K/yr

In this role, you will be r esponsible for developing and supporting our processed meat portfolio ... What You Will Do: Apply food science expertise to develop, improve, and optimize products ...

Giant Eagle

Meat Team Leader

Mentor On The Lake, OH · On-site

Meat Cutting, Meat Processing or Meat Science Lifting Requirement: Up to 100 pounds Travel Required: None Age Requirement: At least 18 years of age Job Responsibilities * Your principal, main, major ...

Schwans

Principal Food Scientist

Gahanna, OH · On-site

$107K - $178K/yr

We are seeking a Principal Food Scientist to join our R&D team at our Asian Food Facility in ... In this role, you will be r esponsible for developing and supporting our processed meat portfolio ...

Giant Eagle

Meat Team Leader

Cleveland, OH · On-site

Meat Cutting, Meat Processing or Meat Science Lifting Requirement: Up to 100 pounds Travel Required: None Age Requirement: At least 18 years of age Job Responsibilities * Your principal, main, major ...

Benchwood Foods

FSQA HACCP Supervisor

Columbus, OH · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Bachelor's degree in food science, meat science, microbiology or related field; or 5 years of experience in quality assurance and food safety leadership. * HACCP certification. * Experience with GFSI ...

Fresh Mark, Inc.

FSQA Microbiology Technologist

Salem, OH · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Qualifications * Degree, coursework, or experience in Microbiology, Food Science, Biology ... meats. For a century, we've been dedicated to making the best products, the best way. Made with top ...

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All JobsMeat Scientist JobsMeat Scientist Jobs in Ohio

Meat Scientist information

See Ohio salary details

$35.2K

$86.5K

$152.1K

How much do meat scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for meat scientist in Ohio is $86,476.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,600.00 and $95,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a meat scientist?

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 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 do you 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, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for advanced research roles. Gaining experience through internships, understanding meat processing techniques, and developing skills in microbiology and food safety are also important for this profession.

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 popular job titles related to Meat Scientist jobs in Ohio?

For Meat Scientist jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Meat Scientist jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Meat Scientist jobs in Ohio are:

Meat Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Scientist job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 92% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,476 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Director of Food Science

Sugar Creek Packing Co.

West Chester, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

SugarCreek rating

4.6

Company rating: 4.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

421st of 445 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Sugar Creek Packing Co., founded in 1966, is a flourishing privately held, family owned food company. Its commitment to making the highest-quality, best-value products has allowed Sugar Creek to grow into one of the largest independent bacon processors servicing the global market.
Education: Master's Degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Microbiology, Animal Science, or a related scientific discipline required; PhD in same or related scientific discipline preferred; or equivalent experience.
Experience: 10+ years of experience in meat or protein manufacturing, R&D, or food science role required.
DESCRIPTION sUMMARY
Serve as the scientific authority for product and process development with a focus on driving formulation optimization through functional ingredient strategy to improve yield, product performance, shelf life, and commercialization efficiency. Apply meat science and microbiology expertise to enable data-driven decisions early in development, reducing rework and accelerating time to market. Work with other departments (FSQA, Operations, Procurement) to deliver cost, quality, and consistency improvements in alignment with food safety and regulatory compliance.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Provide guidance on product development initiatives from concept through commercialization for raw and ready-to-eat meat products.
  • Develop and optimize product formulations to meet sensory, nutritional, regulatory, and cost targets.
  • Evaluate ingredients, functional systems, and processing aids for performance, labeling, and cost effectiveness.
  • Support customer-driven product customization and innovation projects and participate in discussions with customers regarding product formulation, shelf life, and product optimization.
  • Support formulation strategy with accountability for yield, quality, and margin improvement.
  • Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through ingredient optimization, formulation changes, and process efficiencies.
  • Work with Procurement and Operations to evaluate alternative ingredients and suppliers.
  • Provide guidance and support to the Regulatory Compliance Team for unique situations as needed as a processing authority.
  • Provide assistance on labeling requirements, standards of identity, product formulations, labels, processes, specifications, regulatory submissions, and responses to regulatory inquiries.
  • Design, oversee, and interpret microbiological challenge studies and validation activities.
  • Establish scientific support for lethality, stabilization, and antimicrobial interventions.
  • Provide support to Food Safety Quality Assurance (FSQA) in developing or evaluating pathogen control strategies and environmental monitoring programs.
  • Conduct shelf-life determination and extension studies for raw and RTE products.
  • Evaluate packaging systems, storage conditions, and distribution impacts on product quality and safety.
  • Interpret microbiological, chemical, and sensory data to establish defensible shelf-life claims.
  • Develop and optimize thermal processes, including cook cycle development and validation.
  • Provide scientific input on equipment selection, line modifications, and process design.
  • Analyze process data to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Act as a technical liaison between departments during innovation and commercialization discussions.
  • Provide scientific guidance to Executive Leadership for strategic decisions and capital investments.
  • Mentor and develop technical staff within R&D or related functions.
  • Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures and regulations.
  • Support all safety, food quality and sanitation initiatives and policies.
  • Follow SugarCreek safety rules and procedures.
  • Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.

minimum qualifications
Education: Master's Degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Microbiology, Animal Science, or a related scientific discipline required; PhD in same or related scientific discipline preferred; or equivalent experience.
Experience: 10+ years of experience in meat or protein manufacturing, R&D, or food science role required.
Certification or Licensure Requirements: Safe Quality Foods (SQF) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification preferred; if not currently certified, SQF/HACCP certifications must be obtained within first three months of employment.
Abilities, KNOWLEDGE, and SKILLS REQUIRED
  • Possess strong familiarity and understanding of USDA FSIS-regulated environments.
  • Possess strong understanding of product formulation, thermal processing, and microbiological validation.
  • Possess strong proficiency in meat science, microbiology, and thermal processing.
  • Know how analyze formulation systems, functional ingredients, and processing aids.
  • Able to perform and analyze challenge studies, shelf-life testing, and statistical interpretation of results.
  • Possess strong understanding of USDA & FSIS regulations, labeling, and food safety requirements.
  • Able to communicate effectively and efficiently using both verbal and written skills.
  • Possess strong leadership skills, independent thinking, organizational skills, and planning abilities.
  • Know how to actively listen to employees across various departments to address issues.
  • Able to read, interpret and review instructions for preparation of materials.
  • Able to adapt and work on a flexible schedule that covers all plant operation shifts.
  • Able to read and comprehend printed and electronic information.
  • Able to maintain documents in an organized fashion.
  • Know how to use basic computer programs, especially Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

We are an equal opportunity employer.
We participate in E-verify. Participamos en E-verify.
Right to Work. Derecho al Trabajo.

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