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Research Associate Food Science Jobs in California

Louis Dreyfus Company

Food Science Associate

Livermore, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

The Food Science Associate works on the characterization of plant proteins and other food ... Additional Information Equipment Used • Laboratory research equipment: glassware, pipettes, pH ...

Louis Dreyfus Company

Food Science Associate

Livermore, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

The Food Science Associate works on the characterization of plant proteins and other food ... Additional Information Equipment Used · Laboratory research equipment: glassware, pipettes, pH ...

Louis Dreyfus Company

Food Science Associate

Livermore, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

The Food Science Associate works on the characterization of plant proteins and other food ... Additional Information Equipment Used Laboratory research equipment: glassware, pipettes, pH meter ...

AcuraStem

Research associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

At AcuraStem we value scientific excellence, results, persistence, details, teamwork, good decision-making, and continuous learning. We are seeking a research associate who is skilled and well ...

AcuraStem

Research associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

At AcuraStem we value scientific excellence, results, persistence, details, teamwork, good decision-making, and continuous learning. We are seeking a research associate who is skilled and well ...

Certified Group

Research Associate

Turlock, CA

Certified Group is committed to partnering with customers to deliver innovative scientific ... Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) - A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North ...

Certified Group

Research Associate

Turlock, CA · On-site

Certified Group is committed to partnering with customers to deliver innovative scientific ... Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) - A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North ...

AccuScan Sciences

Research Associate

Milpitas, CA · On-site

AccuScan Sciences is seeking a dedicated Research Associate to join our innovative team. In this role, you will support various research projects focusing on assay development and clinical validation.

AccuScan Sciences

Research Associate

Milpitas, CA · On-site

AccuScan Sciences is seeking a dedicated Research Associate to join our innovative team. In this role, you will support various research projects focusing on assay development and clinical validation.

BioPhase Solutions

Research Associate

Los Angeles, CA

$25 - $35/hr

BioPhase Solutions specializes in recruiting top talented professionals for Southern California's Scientific community. We are currently looking for a Research Associate, Discovery Biology and ...

AccuScan Sciences

Research Associate

Milpitas, CA

AccuScan Sciences is seeking a dedicated Research Associate to join our innovative team. In this role, you will support various research projects focusing on assay development and clinical validation.

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All JobsResearch Associate Food Science JobsResearch Associate Food Science Jobs in California

Research Associate Food Science information

See California salary details

$16

$32

$46

How much do research associate food science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for research associate food science in California is $32.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.87 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for a Research Associate in Food Science?

A typical day for a Research Associate in Food Science involves conducting laboratory experiments, preparing samples, and analyzing data to support the development or improvement of food products. You'll often collaborate closely with scientists, technologists, and quality assurance teams to ensure projects meet regulatory standards and business goals. Documenting findings, maintaining lab equipment, and participating in meetings or presentations are also common tasks. This role requires balancing hands-on experimentation with thorough data reporting, making organization and communication skills essential for success.

What is a Research Associate Food Science job?

A Research Associate in Food Science conducts experiments and analyzes food products to improve quality, safety, and innovation. They work in laboratories or food production facilities, assisting in research on ingredients, processing methods, and nutritional content. Their responsibilities may include data collection, product testing, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. This role often requires a degree in food science, chemistry, or a related field, along with analytical skills and attention to detail.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Research Associate Food Science position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Associate Food Science, you generally need a background in food science, chemistry, or a related field, with experience in laboratory research and data analysis. Familiarity with analytical instruments (such as HPLC, GC, and spectrophotometers), statistical software, and quality control systems is often required, and certifications like HACCP can be valuable. Strong attention to detail, organization, effective communication, and teamwork are key soft skills for this role. These abilities are essential for ensuring experimental accuracy, reliable results, and smooth collaboration within research teams or with cross-functional departments.

What are popular job titles related to Research Associate Food Science jobs in California? For Research Associate Food Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Research Associate Food Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Associate Food Science job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,799 per year, or $32.1 per hour.
Food Technologist - R&D/Technical Services

Food Technologist - R&D/Technical Services

Mezzetta

American Canyon, CA

Other

Posted yesterday

Job description

The Associate Food Technologist - R&D/Technical Services will support the development of new products and processes, evaluate and improve the quality of existing products and review their current processes for optimization. The Associate Food Technologist will support R&D, quality, operations, procurement and technical services with projects related to product and process improvement. This entry level position is an amazing opportunity to work in a newly built test kitchen with lots of room for growth. 

The R&D department's internal customers are Sales, Marketing, Procurement & Manufacturing. Marketing and R&D work together in the development of Mezzetta's food products. Both departments often work hand in hand to develop a product that will be predictive of its success in the market. Manufacturing is the department's most important customer. R&D, in this regard, seeks to refine and improve existing manufacturing processes, or to develop new and better ways of making the product. With input from manufacturing, R&D has the potential to reduce costs and increase production efficiency.

Responsibilities

  • Develop new products and existing product reformulations, from initial concepts to commercialization.
  • Complete supplemental product analytical and sensory testing.
  • Provide technical support to R&D on product improvements and collaborate with operations on test runs in production to emulate approved kitchen samples.
  • Maintain accuracy of formulations, processes, BOM's and product specifications.
  • Approve new ingredients and suppliers by collaborating with procurement, R&D and QA.
  • Conduct research to evaluate the shelf life of new or existing products or test new materials.
  • Conduct routine product cuttings and competitive cuttings per schedule with sensory panel.
  • Create and ensure accuracy of nutrition facts panels and ingredient declarations for new and/or reformulated products.
  • Assess production processes and make recommendations for improvements that are looking to reduce waste or cost or increase quality or profitability.
  • Plan and conduct research activities that evaluate new or revised products, ingredients, or formulations for taste, texture, and shelf stability.
  • Adjust formulations based on product specifications for production.
  • Create and ensure accuracy of nutrition facts panels and ingredient declarations for new and/or reformulated products.
  • File for certifications such as Non-GMO, Kosher, Gluten-free, Vegan, etc.
  • SQF support.
  • Bills of Material Management, maintaining accuracy of formulations, processes and product specifications.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related sciences
  • Minimum 1-2 years experience in the food industry or related field
  • Proficient in Excel, Word, and statistical analysis
  • Excellent communicator both written and verbal
  • Project leader
  • Analyzing information
  • Product Improvement
  • Multitasking/Dealing with complexity
  • Reporting research results
  • Promoting Process improvement
  • Problem solving
  • Technical understanding

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