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Opt Student Food Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

$13 - $17.75/hr

CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with ... The Food Science Department is uniquely positioned in the College of Agricultural Sciences to ...

The Pennsylvania State University

$19 - $26/hr

CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with ... D. in Food Science, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline, completed by the start date.

University of Kentucky

Visiting Student

Lexington, KY

$13.50 - $17/hr

ANIMAL AND FOOD SCIENCES Work Location Lexington, KY Salary Range Varies Type of Position Student Position Time Status Part-Time Required Education None Required Related Experience None Required ...

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How much do opt student food science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for opt student food science in the United States is $22.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an OPT Student in Food Science, and why are they important?

To thrive as an OPT Student in Food Science, you need a solid background in food science principles, laboratory techniques, and data analysis, typically gained through a relevant degree program. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, food safety standards (like HACCP), and data analysis software such as SPSS or Excel is often required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with teams and manage research projects efficiently. These skills are vital for ensuring accurate research, compliance with safety standards, and successful integration into professional food science environments.

What types of projects or tasks can an OPT Student in Food Science expect to work on during their assignment?

As an OPT Student in Food Science, you can expect to participate in a variety of hands-on projects such as assisting with food product development, conducting laboratory analyses, and supporting quality assurance processes. You'll often collaborate with senior food scientists and cross-functional teams, gaining exposure to both research and practical application in food safety, sensory evaluation, and regulatory compliance. These experiences provide valuable insight into industry practices and help build critical skills for future career advancement in food science.

What are Opt Student Food Science jobs?

Opt Student Food Science jobs are positions held by international students in the United States who are studying or have graduated with a degree in Food Science and are working under Optional Practical Training (OPT). These roles provide practical experience related to food safety, product development, quality assurance, or research in the food industry. OPT allows students to gain hands-on knowledge in their field of study and apply classroom learning to real-world settings. These jobs can be at food manufacturing companies, research labs, or regulatory agencies. OPT typically lasts for up to 12 months, with an extension possibility for STEM graduates.

What is the difference between Opt Student Food Science vs Food Technologist?

AspectOpt Student Food ScienceFood Technologist
Required CredentialsEnrollment in food science program, possibly internship experienceBachelor's degree in food science, food technology, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, food production settingsFood manufacturing plants, quality control labs, R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsageInternship or temporary student roles in food companies or research institutionsFull-time roles in food companies, processing plants, or regulatory agencies

Opt Student Food Science roles typically involve internships or temporary positions for students studying food science, focusing on gaining practical experience. Food Technologists are full-time professionals responsible for product development, quality assurance, and process improvements in the food industry. While both roles require knowledge of food science, the main difference lies in the level of experience and employment status.

Infographic showing various Opt Student Food Science job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,976 per year, or $22.6 per hour.
Assistant/Associate Professor of Food Science-Microbiological Food Safety, Food Quality, and Indu...

Assistant/Associate Professor of Food Science-Microbiological Food Safety, Food Quality, and Indu...

The Pennsylvania State University

On-site

$13 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Food Science at The Pennsylvania State University seeks a tenure track faculty member to build an Extension program in an area related to microbiological food safety, food quality, or industrial food processing. This position will be hired as an Assistant/Associate Professor of Food Science-Microbiological Food Safety, Food Quality, and Industrial Food Processing. Agriculture in Pennsylvania accounts for approximately $83.8 billion in direct economic output and more than 280,500 jobs. Within the agriculture sector, food processing and manufacturing is the largest sub-sector, accounting for nearly 60% of the economic output and 32% of the total direct employment. Penn State's land-grant mission is to provide education, research, and public service to all people in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Food Science Department is uniquely positioned in the College of Agricultural Sciences to provide expertise needed to meet the food safety and quality needs of food production and processing professionals.

Key Responsibilities

Extension (75%): The successful candidate will build a nationally recognized Extension education program to provide support to food industry stakeholders in Pennsylvania and beyond in the following ways:

  • Conduct short courses and workshops, including online programs, offered through the Department of Food Science.

  • Develop and deliver new workforce training programs to meet the current and emerging needs of small and large food processors in PA.

  • Develop and maintain relationships and provide expertise to regulatory agencies including the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, The Food and Drug Administration, and the USDA-FSIS.

  • Provide expertise and direction to Cooperative Extension Food Safety and Quality program team in the areas of food production, processing, food service, and retail, and home food safety and preservation.

  • Develop programs and processes that provide support to people interested in starting or scaling up a food manufacturing business. This approach could include facilitating access to laboratory services and assisting with product formulation and equipment scale-up.

  • Provide professional development to Extension educators on food safety topics.

  • Respond to questions from the public about food safety topics.

Research (25%): The successful candidate will conduct problem-solving food safety and quality research in critical issues and disseminate the findings through publications in scientific journals and public stakeholders. The candidate will seek internal and external collaboration opportunities with faculty members within the Food Science Department and other departments/units at Penn State, and with regional, national, and international partners. Research areas of interest will vary depending on the expertise of the successful candidate; these include but are not limited to:

  • Food safety process validation studies for small and large organizations.

  • Development of processes and procedures to enhance food quality.

  • Conducting regular needs assessments to determine education and research gaps.

  • Evaluation of educational programs.

Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Food Science, Microbiology, or a closely related field with a focus on food microbiology, food safety or food processing.

  • Strong record of research in areas such as microbial food safety, foodborne pathogens, or industrial food processing. Experience with advanced microbial detection methods or risk analysis.

  • Experience working with diverse teams, including academic, industry, and government stakeholders.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication abilities to effectively teach, mentor, and collaborate.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Post doctoral experience.

  • Experience working with the food industry.

Applicants must upload (1) letter of application, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) academic transcripts, (4) a statement summarizing the applicant's philosophy and plan for establishing a successful research and extension program, and (5) names of at least three professional references (including address, telephone and e-mail address) to the Penn State Jobs system. System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5 MB per document) as part of your application. Please combine materials to meet the 5-document limit. All documents need to be uploaded on the same page.

Please contact Dr. Jasna Kovac, Search Committee Chair, at jzk303@psu.eduwith questions. Applications will be reviewed beginning January 12, 2026, and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. The anticipated start date is 1 July 2026 or as negotiated.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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About Pennsylvania State University

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Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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