1

Research Chef Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Sushi Chef

Scottsdale, AZ ยท On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Work closely with FOH leadership to support smooth service and resolve issues quickly Menu Execution & Development * Assist Executive Chef with R&D, tastings, specials, and seasonal menu updates.

Executive Sous Chef

Goodyear, AZ ยท On-site

$63K - $81K/yr

Continuously improve product quality and process steps with support of Corporate Executive chef and R&D chefs * Address and eliminate product quality issues/customer complaints arising from problems ...

Executive Sous Chef

Goodyear, AZ ยท On-site

$77K - $89K/yr

Continuously improve product quality and process steps with support of Corporate Executive chef and R&D chefs * Address and eliminate product quality issues/customer complaints arising from problems ...

Executive Sous Chef

Goodyear, AZ

$63K - $81K/yr

Continuously improve product quality and process steps with support of Corporate Executive chef and R&D chefs * Address and eliminate product quality issues/customer complaints arising from problems ...

Continuously improve product quality and process steps with support of Corporate Executive chef and R&D chefs * Address and eliminate product quality issues/customer complaints arising from problems ...

O.H.S.O. Executive Chef

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

We are looking for a highly experienced and creative Executive Chef to join our fast-paced and ... Research and implement new culinary trends Maintain a clean kitchen and abide by all state food ...

O.H.S.O. Executive Chef

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

We are looking for a highly experienced and creative Executive Chef to join our fast-paced and ... Research and implement new culinary trends Maintain a clean kitchen and abide by all state food ...

Executive Chef Kitchen Manager

Winslow, AZ ยท On-site

$66K - $90K/yr

I look forward to hearing from you and hope that there is someone out there that takes the time to research who and where we are before contacting me. John Sharpe- Executive Chef - Owner. The ...

Sous Chef (\"Segundo Chef\")

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Use market research to develop new products. * Read menu to estimate food requirements. Order food ... Chef. Work in support of team goals and measures effectiveness through Food Cost, Payroll and Food ...

Sous Chef ("Segundo Chef")

Phoenix, AZ

$50K - $67K/yr

Use market research to develop new products. * Read menu to estimate food requirements. Order food ... Chef. Work in support of team goals and measures effectiveness through Food Cost, Payroll and Food ...

Sous Chef ("Segundo Chef")

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

Use market research to develop new products. * Read menu to estimate food requirements. Order food ... Chef. Work in support of team goals and measures effectiveness through Food Cost, Payroll and Food ...

New

Executive Chef

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Research customer preferences and develops a menu which incorporates local foods and flavors ... Hands-on chefs experience a must. * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a ...

Executive Chef

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Research customer preferences and develops a menu which incorporates local foods and flavors ... Hands-on chefs experience a must. * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a ...

Executive Chef

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Research customer preferences and develops a menu which incorporates local foods and flavors ... Hands-on chefs experience a must. * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a ...

Sr Executive Chef

Sun City, AZ ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Research customer preferences and develops a menu which incorporates local foods and flavors ... Hands-on chefs experience a must. * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a ...

Sr Executive Chef

Sun City, AZ ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Research customer preferences and develops a menu which incorporates local foods and flavors ... Hands-on chefs experience a must. * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Research Chef information

See Arizona salary details

$42.9K

$78.1K

$123.9K

How much do research chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for research chef in Arizona is $78,086.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,800.00 and $109,500.00 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Research Chef jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Research Chef job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Research Chef job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,086 per year, or $37.5 per hour.

Sushi Chef

Kuza

Scottsdale, AZ โ€ข On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee daily sushi prep, line setup, and service execution to ensure food quality and presentation standards are met.

  • Assist in supervising BOH staff, including coaching, performance feedback, and shift leadership.

  • Support ordering, inventory management, and kitchen organization to maintain proper stock levels and reduce waste.


Job description

Benefits:
  • Competitive salary
  • Employee discounts
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Training & development

Department: Back of House (BOH)                                              Reports To: Executive Chef
Location: KUZA Scottsdale (Chauncey Ln)                                 Pay Rate: $65K-75K+/year

Job Summary

The Sushi Sous Chef is the second-in-command of the KUZA kitchen, supporting the Executive Chef in daily operations, culinary execution, and team leadership. In your role you will be responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of the sushi program, including but not limited to team development, menu creation, procurement, production and execution. This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position.  The Sous Chef leads by example, modeling professionalism, organization, and high standards for food, sanitation, and teamwork. This is a forward-facing position during service hours and will require you to be comfortable communicating with guests.

Culinary Execution & Quality
Oversee daily sushi prep, robata/sushi line setup, and service execution to ensure food meets KUZA’s flavor, quality, and presentation standards.
  • Maintain a mastery of recipes, techniques, ingredients, and Japanese-American flavor profiles.
  • Support expo, expedite dishes during high volume, and correct plates as needed.
  • Uphold strict food safety, sanitation, temperature control, and raw-fish handling standards.
Leadership & Team Management
  • Assist in supervising BOH staff, including coaching, performance feedback, and shift leadership.
  • Lead pre-shift meetings, communicate specials, 86s, and service notes.
  • Ensure proper staffing levels and support scheduling, hiring, and training of cooks and prep team members.
  • Promote a collaborative, respectful, and professional kitchen environment.
  • Create, execute and maintain a consistent systems and SOPs for the sushi side of our menu
Operations & Administration
  • Assist with ordering, inventory, and vendor management to maintain proper par levels and reduce waste.
  • Ensure prep lists, station checklists, and opening/closing duties are completed.
  • Maintain kitchen organization, cleanliness, and equipment functionality.
  • Work closely with FOH leadership to support smooth service and resolve issues quickly
Menu Execution & Development
  • Assist Executive Chef with R&D, tastings, specials, and seasonal menu updates.
  • Provide feedback based on guest responses, kitchen flow, and product usage.
Skills & Qualifications
  • 2+ years of experience as a Sushi Chef experience in a high-volume kitchen.
  • Experience with Japanese food & culture or Asian-influenced concepts strongly preferred.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and time-management skills.
  • Excellent knife skills, mastery of fish butchery and sushi rice handling.
  • Must have (or obtain) AZ Food Handler and Manager’s Card.
  • Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
Work Environment & Expectations
  • Professional appearance and adherence to KUZA grooming standards.
  • Flexible availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Calm, composed leadership under pressure.
  • Commitment to KUZA’s culture: precision, creativity, teamwork, and hospitality.