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Research And Development Food Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Taylor Nicole Professional

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Food Product Development Coordinator

Gardena, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Work closely with Sales, R&D, Quality, Procurement, and Operations. * Manage customer specification ... Bachelor's degree in Food Science or a related field is preferred but not required. Why Join Us?

O Positiv

Research & Development Manager

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, etc.), Food Science, Pharmaceutical Science or related field * 3-6 years of experience working in product development, R&D, and/or regulatory affairs within the ...

PepsiCo

R&D Principal Scientist

Plano, TX

$119K - $140K/yr

... Science or Food Engineering and nine (9) years of experience in foods product development, Flavor & seasoning development OR Master's degree (US or Foreign Equivalent) in Food Science or Food ...

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Research And Development Food Science information

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$48.5K

$101.8K

$165K

How much do research and development food science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development food science in the United States is $101,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Research and Development Food Science, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Research and Development Food Science often face challenges such as balancing innovation with regulatory compliance, ensuring product consistency during scale-up, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. Navigating changing food safety standards and consumer trends requires continuous learning and adaptability. Effective communication with marketing, production, and quality assurance teams is key to successfully bringing new products from concept to market. Emphasizing teamwork and ongoing professional development can help address these challenges and contribute to career growth.

What are Research and Development Food Scientists?

Research and Development (R&D) Food Scientists are professionals who create and improve food products, processes, and packaging. They work in laboratories and test kitchens to develop new recipes, enhance flavors, ensure food safety, and increase product shelf life. These scientists apply principles of chemistry, biology, and engineering to solve problems related to food production and quality. Their work is vital for bringing innovative and safe food products to market, as well as meeting consumer demands and regulatory requirements.

What does a research and development food scientist do?

A research and development food scientist develops new food products, improves existing formulations, and ensures product safety and quality. They conduct experiments, analyze ingredients, and use tools like laboratory equipment and sensory testing to meet consumer preferences and regulatory standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research and Development Food Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research and Development Food Scientist, you need a solid background in food science, chemistry, and biology, usually supported by at least a bachelor's degree in food science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, sensory evaluation tools, and regulatory compliance systems such as HACCP or FDA guidelines is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving and teamwork skills set outstanding candidates apart. These skills enable the development of safe, innovative, and marketable food products that meet industry standards and consumer needs.

What jobs can you get with a PhD in food science?

A PhD in food science qualifies individuals for advanced research roles such as food scientist, product development scientist, or food safety specialist. These positions often involve laboratory work, product formulation, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, typically requiring strong analytical skills and knowledge of food chemistry and microbiology.

How to get into R&D food?

To pursue a career in food science R&D, obtain a bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in product development and laboratory techniques, and staying updated on industry trends can improve job prospects in this field.

What does research and development in the food industry do?

Research and development in the food industry involves creating and improving food products, developing new formulations, and ensuring product safety and quality. Food scientists use techniques like sensory evaluation, laboratory testing, and food processing methods to innovate and meet consumer demands while complying with regulations.

What is the difference between Research And Development Food Science vs Food Technologist?

AspectResearch And Development Food ScienceFood Technologist
CredentialsBachelor's or master's in food science, chemistry, or related fieldsBachelor's degree in food science, food technology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D centers, product development teamsManufacturing facilities, quality control labs, production lines
Industry UsageDeveloping new food products, improving formulations, innovationImplementing production processes, ensuring product quality, compliance

Research And Development Food Science focuses on creating and improving food products through research and experimentation, often working in labs and innovation teams. Food Technologists typically oversee the production process, ensuring products meet quality standards and regulations. Both roles require food science knowledge but differ in their primary focus and work environment.

More about Research And Development Food Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Research And Development Food Science jobs? Cities with the most Research And Development Food Science job openings:
What states have the most Research And Development Food Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Research And Development Food Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Research And Development Food Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Research And Development Food Science jobs are:
Research And Development Food Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Food Science job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,794 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

VP of R&D - Frozen food CPG

Hunter the Head Hunter

Columbus, OH

$180K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Position Overview

The Vice President of Research & Development is responsible for setting and executing the company’s enterprise-wide innovation and product development strategy across a multi-site food manufacturing network. This role drives both top-line growth and operational performance through disciplined commercialization, portfolio management, and scalable product development.

This leader will oversee the full R&D function, including product development, process development, food safety/microbiology, and regulatory, while building a high-performing organization aligned to business objectives. The ideal candidate brings a strong blend of technical expertise, commercialization leadership, and general management capability within a complex food manufacturing environment.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Innovation
  • Define and execute a long-range R&D and innovation strategy aligned with company growth targets
  • Build and manage a robust product pipeline across branded, private label, and customer-specific initiatives
  • Translate consumer insights and market trends into commercially viable, scalable products
  • Partner with executive leadership to align innovation priorities with financial and operational goals
Product Development & Commercialization
  • Lead end-to-end product development from concept through commercialization across multiple manufacturing sites
  • Drive disciplined stage-gate processes, ensuring speed to market, cost targets, and margin expectations are achieved
  • Oversee formulation, scale-up, and process optimization to ensure consistent product quality and manufacturability
  • Implement systems to improve commercialization success rates, reduce errors, and increase execution speed
Operational & Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Partner closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Sales to ensure seamless product launches and execution
  • Support plant operations through process development, cost savings initiatives, and technical problem-solving
  • Lead cross-functional initiatives tied to margin improvement, complexity reduction, and operational efficiency
Team Leadership & Organizational Development
  • Build, lead, and develop a high-performing R&D organization across multiple disciplines (product development, process, regulatory, microbiology)
  • Establish clear structure, accountability, and performance metrics across the team
  • Drive a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement
  • Develop internal talent and long-term succession planning within the R&D function
Technical & Functional Excellence
  • Oversee food safety, microbiology, and regulatory functions to ensure compliance and risk mitigation
  • Lead ingredient strategy, formulation optimization, and clean label initiatives
  • Establish best practices in product and process development, including pilot plant and scale-up capabilities
  • Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and industry advancements to enhance competitive positioning
Financial & Business Impact
  • Own and manage R&D budgets, capital investments, and resource allocation
  • Drive measurable business impact through innovation (volume growth, margin expansion, cost savings)
  • Implement KPI-driven management of pipeline performance, commercialization success, and ROI
Required Experience & Background
  • 15+ years of progressive R&D experience within food or CPG manufacturing
  • 10+ years of leadership experience, including oversight of multi-functional R&D teams
  • Proven experience leading large-scale commercialization efforts across multiple plants
  • Demonstrated success driving innovation tied to measurable business outcomes (volume, margin, cost savings)
  • Experience in high-volume, complex food categories (e.g., frozen, sauces, dressings, prepared foods, etc.)
  • Strong background in process development, scale-up, and manufacturing integration
  • Experience building and leading organizations (team design, restructuring, capability build-out)
Preferred Experience
  • Experience supporting both foodservice and retail channels
  • Background in multi-site or global manufacturing environments
  • Experience leading innovation centers, pilot plants, or technical centers of excellence
  • Exposure to licensed brands, private label, or co-manufacturing models
Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field required
  • Advanced degree preferred