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Research Chef Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Be Seen First

Executive Chef

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Our Executive Chefs are responsible for all back of house team members, operations, and food ... research through the sale of its freshly squeezed lemonade. Firebirds has received numerous ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Florence, AL · On-site

The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert and baking recipes to ensure that each guest and crew have an exceptional dining experience. While ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Florence, AL · On-site

The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert and baking recipes to ensure that each guest and crew have an exceptional dining experience. While ...

Highlands College

Executive Chef

Birmingham, AL

$67K - $92K/yr

The Executive Chef provides strategic, operational, and spiritual leadership for all culinary ... Other Duties * Assist with the research and concepting of additional restaurant concepts that meet ...

Highlands College

Executive Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

The Executive Chef provides strategic, operational, and spiritual leadership for all culinary ... Other Duties * Assist with the research and concepting of additional restaurant concepts that meet ...

W & M Dawgs LLC

Line Cook

Orange Beach, AL · On-site

$18/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

W & M Dawgs LLC

Line Cook

Orange Beach, AL · On-site

$18/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

W & M Dawgs LLC

Line Cook

Orange Beach, AL · On-site

$18/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

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All JobsResearch Chef JobsResearch Chef Jobs in Alabama

Research Chef information

See Alabama salary details

$41.7K

$76K

$120.6K

How much do research chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for research chef in Alabama is $75,950.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,400.00 and $106,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research chef?

A research chef, also known as a culinary scientist, combines culinary arts with food science to develop new recipes, food products, and menu items. They often work for food manufacturers, restaurant chains, or research and development labs, focusing on creating innovative foods that are both tasty and safe. Research chefs collaborate with food scientists, nutritionists, and marketing teams to ensure products meet quality standards, regulatory requirements, and consumer preferences. Their role is essential in bringing new food concepts from the kitchen to large-scale production.

How does a research chef typically collaborate with product development and marketing teams?

A Research Chef works closely with product development teams to translate culinary concepts into scalable food products, ensuring flavor, texture, and appearance meet both culinary and manufacturing standards. They also partner with marketing teams to align product features with current food trends and consumer preferences, often participating in taste panels and brainstorming sessions. This collaborative approach ensures that new products are both innovative and commercially viable, and fosters a dynamic work environment where ideas from multiple disciplines are integrated into the final product.

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

To thrive as a Research Chef, you need a strong background in culinary arts combined with food science knowledge, often supported by a culinary degree and experience in product development. Familiarity with food safety standards, recipe management software, and laboratory equipment is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you innovate and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the successful development of safe, appealing, and market-ready food products that meet consumer and industry needs.

What does a research chef do?

A research chef is a culinary professional who oversees the research and development of new recipes and food products. As a research chef, your responsibilities include assessing current offerings, working with food scientists to brainstorm concepts, and developing new recipes and products. You work in a test kitchen, either alone or with a team, to develop and test new foods for restaurants or food manufacturers. Your job is to be innovative and creative in your quest to meet consumer desires and the manufacturer or restaurants needs.

What is the difference between Research Chef vs Food Scientist?

AspectResearch ChefFood Scientist
Required CredentialsCooking skills, culinary training, sometimes culinary degreesDegree in food science, chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentTest kitchens, culinary labs, food companiesLaboratories, research facilities, manufacturing plants
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing, product development, culinary innovationFood production, quality control, research & development

Research Chefs focus on developing new food products through culinary expertise and practical testing, often working in kitchens and food companies. Food Scientists typically conduct scientific research to improve food safety, quality, and processing, working mainly in labs. Both roles are essential in food innovation but differ in their approach and work environment.

More about Research Chef jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Chef jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Research Chef jobs in Alabama are:

What are popular job titles related to Research Chef jobs in Alabama?

For Research Chef jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Chef jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Chef jobs in Alabama are:

What are popular job titles related to Research Chef jobs in AL?

For Research Chef jobs in AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Research Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Chef job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,950 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Executive Chef

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Montgomery, AL • On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

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Firebirds Wood Fired Grill rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 88 rated restaurants

Job description

Position Overview:

Our Executive Chefs are responsible for all back of house team members, operations, and food production. Our Executive Chefs develop and lead team members by coaching and providing feedback on job performance. This individual is accountable for creating a positive environment that sets expectations for food quality and a clean, organized kitchen. This individual must be able to remain calm and composed in high pressure situations. Our Executive Chefs play a vital role in the execution of hospitality.

What we expect of you:

  • Manages back of house team members, operations and food production for the restaurant and FIREBAR®
  • Trains and develops Sous Chef
  • Provides direction and training to team members by coaching, counseling and providing feedback on job performance
  • Cross trains team members—evaluates, encourages, and teaches team members to improve and widen their kitchen knowledge on each station
  • Supervises and participates in butchering and portion control on each shift
  • Responsible for creating a positive environment that sets the expectation for quality food and a neat, clean and organized kitchen
  • Responsible for team development by interviewing and hiring back of house team members to maintain staffing goals
  • Accountable for ordering produce, seafood, and main food orders
  • Conducts inventory bi-weekly in a team effort
  • Comfortable working in a team driven kitchen and closely works with all managers

What’s in it for you:

  • Excellent earning potential
  • Attainable bonus paid every other pay period
  • Comprehensive training
  • Three weeks paid time-off annually
  • 401k + company match
  • Competitive benefits—Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance
  • New store openings— several growth opportunities for all team members!
  • Holiday closures— closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving Day; early closures on Christmas Eve!

Qualifications:

  • 2+ years high volume, full service restaurant experience in an Executive Chef position
  • Warm, passionate, and committed to the industry
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to remain calm, cool, and collected under pressure
  • Self-Actualized and motivated
  • Self-discipline; maintained professional appearance
  • Butchering experience required
  • Scratch Kitchen Experience preferred

If you are seeking a position with growth opportunities, in depth learning and development, and supportive team members, then spark the flame and apply to Firebirds today!

Firebirds is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Company Description

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is a collection of 72 polished-casual restaurants specializing in boldly flavored, classic American cuisine, including fresh steaks and seafood prepared from scratch and seared over local hickory, oak or pecan wood on an authentic wood-fired grill. Architectural features include custom-designed wine walls, inviting patios and the FIREBAR, which boasts a wide selection of artisan cocktails, craft beer and a robust wine list, including Firebirds private label wine, served at proper cellar temperatures. With its purpose to Serve, enrich and exceed, Firebirds prides itself on providing real value and unexpected delights to its guests, while weaving itself into the fabric of the communities it serves. To date, Firebirds has donated more than $4 million to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation to fund childhood cancer research through the sale of its freshly squeezed lemonade. Firebirds has received numerous national awards, including multiple Trip Advisor Certificates of Excellence and recognition in the FSR 50 Top 10 Fast-Growing Chains and as one of 10 Breakout Brands by Nations Restaurant News. For more information or to find a location, visit firebirdsrestaurants.com, like Firebirds on Facebook or follow Firebirds on Twitter at @FirebirdsGrill or Instagram at @FirebirdsGrill.

What Firebirds Wood Fired Grill employees say

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