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Research And Development Chef Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Retail Cook 2

Portland, OR · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

... recipe development, and testing. * Additional Culinary classes taught by an Executive Chef ... In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next ...

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Research And Development Chef information

See Oregon salary details

$51.3K

$107.6K

$174.5K

How much do research and development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development chef in Oregon is $107,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $123,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research and development chef?

Research and Development (R&D) Chefs are culinary professionals who create, test, and refine new recipes and food products for restaurants, food manufacturers, or hospitality companies. They work in kitchens and labs to innovate dishes, improve existing menu items, and ensure products meet quality, taste, and safety standards. R&D Chefs often collaborate with marketing, production, and nutrition teams to bring new culinary concepts to market. Their role combines creativity, technical culinary skills, and knowledge of food science.

How does a research and development chef typically collaborate with other departments during the product development process?

A Research and Development Chef works closely with departments such as marketing, quality assurance, and production throughout the product development process. They often participate in cross-functional meetings to align culinary innovation with consumer trends, production capabilities, and regulatory requirements. Effective communication is essential, as the R&D Chef must translate creative ideas into scalable recipes while ensuring food safety and quality standards are met. This collaborative approach helps streamline the launch of new menu items or products and ensures that everyone is aligned from concept to commercialization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research and development chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research and Development Chef, you need expertise in culinary techniques, food science, and recipe development, often supported by a culinary degree or equivalent professional experience. Familiarity with product development tools, food safety regulations, sensory evaluation methods, and sometimes certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help you innovate and work effectively across teams. These skills are vital to create appealing, safe, and commercially viable food products that meet consumer and market demands.

What is the difference between Research And Development Chef vs Food Scientist?

AspectResearch And Development ChefFood Scientist
CredentialsCulinary degree, culinary certificationsDegree in food science, chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, R&D labs, food companiesLaboratories, research facilities, food manufacturing plants
Industry UsageFood product development, recipe innovationFood safety, quality control, product testing
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Research And Development Chefs focus on creating new recipes and culinary innovations, often working in kitchens and food companies. Food Scientists analyze food properties, ensuring safety and quality in labs. While both roles contribute to food product development, R&D Chefs emphasize culinary creativity, whereas Food Scientists focus on scientific analysis and safety protocols.

How much do research and development chefs make?

Research and development chefs typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer size. Senior R&D chefs or those working for large food companies can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 with specialized skills and certifications.

How to become a research and development chef?

To become a research and development chef, individuals typically need a culinary degree or extensive cooking experience, along with knowledge of food science and product development. Skills in experimentation, creativity, and understanding of food safety are essential, and experience in a professional kitchen or food industry is often required. Certifications in food safety or culinary innovation can also enhance prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Chef jobs in Oregon?

For Research And Development Chef jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research And Development Chef jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Research And Development Chef jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Research And Development Chef jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Research And Development Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Research And Development Chef job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,625 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

$25.38 - $34.35/hr

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Re-posted 19 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

167th of 621 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview
This position coordinates and produces high quality meals, coordinates menus assembly and incorporates HACCP procedures and safe food handling practices and taking corrective action where applicable with other cooks or, at times, tray line. Responsible for directing other cooks and food service workers in proper preparation and methods of service and presentation. Responsible for the coordination of patients, guests, and staff related menu items. This position needs to be capable of covering all positions. This role is expected to be mission orientated and be flexible to adjust to business demands and requirements. The position needs to be a facilitator and coordinator in conjunction with the sous chef and executive chef.
Function/Duties of Position
Preparation/Cooking:
  • Prepare food items for patients and visitors at OHSU South hospital and CHH2 according to standardized recipes and menus or by verbal instruction given by higher-level cooks or supervisors. Perform functions according to following procedures as listed: (1) mise-en-place (put in place) all ingredients and supplies; (2) perform all required preparation; (3) cook ingredients using prescribed best method; (4) hold and serve at proper safe temperature; (5) chill as appropriate using correct food safety procedures; (6) reheat as necessary to the appropriate safe temperature; (7) properly label and date products to be stored in the various stages of production.

Food Safety & Sanitation:
  • Ensure all foods, including potentially hazardous foods, are handled in a safe and proper manner according to Food and Nutrition Standard Operating Procedures, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), OHSU Infection Control, and Multnomah County Health Department. Identify critical control points (CCPs) in food preparation and storage and monitor the factors that might create a food safety hazard, using corrective action when a deviation occurs.
  • CCPs include but are not limited to: hand washing, cooking, cooling, holding, thawing, temperature monitoring, cross-contamination. Effectively prepare sanitizing agents (e.g. bleach water, quat sanitizer) and clean and sanitize food preparation appliances, work areas, utensils, and equipment using dish machine or three-compartment sink method. Maintain cleanliness of assigned work area.
  • At minimum, the last 30 minutes of each shift will be dedicated to cleaning, sanitizing, and sweeping assigned work area.

Planning, Requisitioning and Preparation:
  • This position must be able to maintain adequate products and supplies for patient operations, especially being prepared for the next days and coming events. Request needed products, and supplies to be ordered; check supplies or food products delivered by suppliers, to insure they meet type, quantity, and quality specified, checked for proper temperature safety standards.
  • Must be able to make a production schedule and oversee its completion, coordinating with the patient services supervisor and the retail café supervisor to ensure complete order and adjust to last minute order when necessary. Keep records of amounts of foods prepared and left overs to adjust production schedules.

Other Duties as Assigned
Required Qualifications
  • An OR food handlers card or equivalent; AND
  • Food Protection Manager Certification with 6 months of hire; AND
  • Three years of cooking experience in an institution or commercial firm serving complete meals OR
  • An Associate's degree in Food Service Management, Foods and Hospitality Service, or a directly-related field.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):
  • Basic knowledge of therapeutic diets.
  • Skill in checking trays to ensure diets have been accurately followed.
  • Ability to participate in menu planning, recipe development, and testing.

Preferred Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent, Apprenticeship, ACF Certification as CC; or vocational studies.
  • Hotel or high volume restaurant catering experience.

Additional Details
Normal work schedule is as determined by supervisors but may change due to departmental requirements, employee will be subject to equipment noise and in a very active environment, will also be exposed to bleach and other sanitizing agents and cleaning chemicals. Employees are required to review MSDS sheets for specifics and to ensure proper handling. Employee will be exposed to smoke, steam, vapors, deep fryer exhaust, heat lamps, various production equipment, multiple interior surface materials and variable lighting conditions.
Why apply to OHSU?
We are Oregon's only public academic health center.
In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
All are welcome.
OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.
To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887