SUMMARY OF POSITION The R&D Chef is a collaborative culinary leadership role working closely with Chef/Owner Jordan Kahn and the Director of Culinary to develop, refine, and bring ideas to fruition ...
SUMMARY OF POSITION The R&D Chef is a collaborative culinary leadership role working closely with Chef/Owner Jordan Kahn and the Director of Culinary to develop, refine, and bring ideas to fruition ...
Research and Development Chef
$80K - $100K/yr
SUMMARY OF POSITION The R&D Chef is a collaborative culinary leadership role working closely with Chef/Owner Jordan Kahn and the Director of Culinary to develop, refine, and bring ideas to fruition ...
Quick apply
Research and Development Chef
$80K - $100K/yr
SUMMARY OF POSITION The R&D Chef is a collaborative culinary leadership role working closely with Chef/Owner Jordan Kahn and the Director of Culinary to develop, refine, and bring ideas to fruition ...
R&D Chef
$89K - $110K/yr
JOB TITLE: R&D Chef FLSA STATUS: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Research and Development REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development LOCATION: Lake Forest, CA Test Kitchen SALARY RANGE : $89,000 ...
R&D Chef
$89K - $110K/yr
JOB TITLE: R&D Chef FLSA STATUS: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Research and Development REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development LOCATION: Lake Forest, CA Test Kitchen SALARY RANGE : $89,000 ...
R&D Chef
Lake Forest, CA · On-site
$89K - $110K/yr
JOB TITLE: R&D Chef FLSA STATUS: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Research and Development REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development LOCATION: Lake Forest, CA Test Kitchen SALARY RANGE : $89,000 ...
R&D Chef
Lake Forest, CA · On-site
$89K - $110K/yr
JOB TITLE: R&D Chef FLSA STATUS: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Research and Development REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development LOCATION: Lake Forest, CA Test Kitchen SALARY RANGE : $89,000 ...
As a Research and Development Chef, you will play a pivotal role in conceptualizing and developing unique menu offerings that highlight our commitment to quality and creativity in the culinary arts.
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As a Research and Development Chef, you will play a pivotal role in conceptualizing and developing unique menu offerings that highlight our commitment to quality and creativity in the culinary arts.
Research & Development Chef
$75K - $110K/yr
This isn't just an R&D role -- you're helping define the culinary roadmap for a business with ambitions of X+locations, household-name brands, and the gold standard in digital-first dining. You'll ...
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Research & Development Chef
$75K - $110K/yr
This isn't just an R&D role -- you're helping define the culinary roadmap for a business with ambitions of X+locations, household-name brands, and the gold standard in digital-first dining. You'll ...
Work with Kagome R&D managers and scientists to develop products/ideas/applications that meet ... Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist, a plus * Years and Type of Related ...
Work with Kagome R&D managers and scientists to develop products/ideas/applications that meet ... Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist, a plus * Years and Type of Related ...
Business Development Chef
San Carlos, CA · On-site
$77K - $127K/yr
Work with Kagome R&D managers and scientists to develop products/ideas/applications that meet ... Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist, a plus * Years and Type of Related ...
Business Development Chef
San Carlos, CA · On-site
$77K - $127K/yr
Work with Kagome R&D managers and scientists to develop products/ideas/applications that meet ... Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist, a plus * Years and Type of Related ...
Executive Chef, Culinary Development and Research
Santa Cruz, CA · On-site
$82K - $113K/yr
The Executive Chef, Culinary Development & Research is responsible for supporting culinary innovation through recipe development, product testing, menu implementation, operational standardization ...
Executive Chef, Culinary Development and Research
Santa Cruz, CA · On-site
$82K - $113K/yr
The Executive Chef, Culinary Development & Research is responsible for supporting culinary innovation through recipe development, product testing, menu implementation, operational standardization ...
Vespertine is seeking a dedicated chef assistant to the Research and Development chef. This employee will work directly with the Research and Development chef and Culinary Director to accomplish ...
Vespertine is seeking a dedicated chef assistant to the Research and Development chef. This employee will work directly with the Research and Development chef and Culinary Director to accomplish ...
Kitchen Chef
$24/hr
Please do your research on the My Father's Barbeque and Chef Shalamar before applying. This is a job with a purpose: to serve great food, give great service and service our community. Kitchen Chef ...
Kitchen Chef
$24/hr
Please do your research on the My Father's Barbeque and Chef Shalamar before applying. This is a job with a purpose: to serve great food, give great service and service our community. Kitchen Chef ...
Executive Chef
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$77K - $106K/yr
This is a rare opportunity to work within a collaborative, research-driven environment focused on ... Collaborate closely with Chef Jordan Kahn and leadership team * Ensure a cohesive, calm, and ...
Executive Chef
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$77K - $106K/yr
This is a rare opportunity to work within a collaborative, research-driven environment focused on ... Collaborate closely with Chef Jordan Kahn and leadership team * Ensure a cohesive, calm, and ...
Chef Assistant
$18.47/hr
Vespertine is seeking a dedicated chef assistant to the Research and Development chef. This employee will work directly with the Research and Development chef and Culinary Director to accomplish ...
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Chef Assistant
$18.47/hr
Vespertine is seeking a dedicated chef assistant to the Research and Development chef. This employee will work directly with the Research and Development chef and Culinary Director to accomplish ...
Chef
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$20 - $22/hr
Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or ...
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Chef
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$20 - $22/hr
Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or ...
Chef
Danville, CA · On-site
$100K/yr
Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or ...
Quick apply
Chef
Danville, CA · On-site
$100K/yr
Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or ...
Chef
$100K/yr
Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or ...
Quick apply
Chef
$100K/yr
Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or ...
Chef
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$18.07 - $23/hr
Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or ...
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Chef
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$18.07 - $23/hr
Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or ...
Chef
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$20 - $22/hr
Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or ...
Quick apply
Chef
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$20 - $22/hr
Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or ...
Chef
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$20 - $22/hr
Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or ...
Quick apply
Chef
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$20 - $22/hr
Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or ...
Chef
$100K/yr
Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or ...
Quick apply
Chef
$100K/yr
Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or ...
Research Chef information
See California salary details
$45.4K - $53.2K
24% of jobs
$53.5K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$53.2K - $61K
20% of jobs
$61K - $68.8K
2% of jobs
$68.8K - $76.6K
3% of jobs
The median wage is $77.1K / yr.
$76.6K - $84.4K
8% of jobs
$84.4K - $92.2K
9% of jobs
$99.3K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$92.2K - $100K
8% of jobs
$100K - $107.8K
0% of jobs
$107.8K - $115.6K
2% of jobs
$115.6K - $123.5K
16% of jobs
$123.5K - $131.3K
6% of jobs
$45.4K
$82.7K
$131.3K
How much do research chef jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for research chef in California is $82,696.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,800.00 and $116,000.00 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?
| Aspect | Research Chef | Food Scientist |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Cooking skills, culinary training, sometimes culinary degrees | Degree in food science, chemistry, or related field |
| Work Environment | Test kitchens, culinary labs, food companies | Laboratories, research facilities, manufacturing plants |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Food manufacturing, product development, culinary innovation | Food 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 California?
The most popular types of Research Chef jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Chef jobs in California?
For Research Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Chef jobs in California look for?
The top searched job categories for Research Chef jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Research Chef jobs?
Cities in California with the most Research Chef job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Research Chef jobs in CA?
For Research Chef jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Full-time
Re-posted 15 days ago
Job description
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The R&D Chef is a collaborative culinary leadership role working closely with Chef/Owner Jordan Kahn and the Director of Culinary to develop, refine, and bring ideas to fruition across Destroyer, Meteora, and Vespertine. This position supports the creative process through thoughtful execution, translating concepts into fully realized dishes, systems, and experiences.
The R&D Chef shepherds ideas through all phases of development, including sourcing and ordering, testing and iteration, organization and timeline management, documentation, and hands-on support through training and implementation. The role requires sensitivity to creative intent, strong technical skill, and disciplined follow-through to ensure ideas are expressed clearly, consistently, and sustainably within each restaurant.