Chef
San Francisco, CA · On-site
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
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 ...
Quick apply
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
Livermore, CA · On-site
$19 - $25/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
Livermore, CA · On-site
$19 - $25/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
$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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
Executive Chef
$86K - $108K/yr
Keeps himself/herself up to date regarding industry trends (research & development, food trends) and ensures alignment with design chefs * Ensures that the appropriate production technology is in ...
Executive Chef
$86K - $108K/yr
Keeps himself/herself up to date regarding industry trends (research & development, food trends) and ensures alignment with design chefs * Ensures that the appropriate production technology is in ...
Executive Chef
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$86K - $108K/yr
... research & development, food trends) and ensures alignment with design chefs • Ensures that the appropriate production technology is in place • Participates in marketing activities Quality • ...
Executive Chef
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$86K - $108K/yr
... research & development, food trends) and ensures alignment with design chefs • Ensures that the appropriate production technology is in place • Participates in marketing activities Quality • ...
Executive Chef
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$86/hr
... research & development, food trends) and ensures alignment with design chefs • Ensures that the appropriate production technology is in place • Participates in marketing activities Quality • ...
Executive Chef
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$86/hr
... research & development, food trends) and ensures alignment with design chefs • Ensures that the appropriate production technology is in place • Participates in marketing activities Quality • ...
Executive Chef
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$86K - $108K/yr
... research & development, food trends) and ensures alignment with design chefs • Ensures that the appropriate production technology is in place • Participates in marketing activities Quality • ...
Executive Chef
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$86K - $108K/yr
... research & development, food trends) and ensures alignment with design chefs • Ensures that the appropriate production technology is in place • Participates in marketing activities Quality • ...
Executive Chef
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$86K - $108K/yr
... research & development, food trends) and ensures alignment with design chefs • Ensures that the appropriate production technology is in place • Participates in marketing activities Quality • ...
Executive Chef
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$86K - $108K/yr
... research & development, food trends) and ensures alignment with design chefs • Ensures that the appropriate production technology is in place • Participates in marketing activities Quality • ...
Executive Chef
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$86K - $108K/yr
... research & development, food trends) and ensures alignment with design chefs • Ensures that the appropriate production technology is in place • Participates in marketing activities Quality • ...
Executive Chef
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$86K - $108K/yr
... research & development, food trends) and ensures alignment with design chefs • Ensures that the appropriate production technology is in place • Participates in marketing activities Quality • ...
Sushi Chef
Bakersfield, CA · On-site
$18 - $20/hr
Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * ServeSafe or Food Handler's Certification * Advanced ...
Quick apply
Sushi Chef
Bakersfield, CA · On-site
$18 - $20/hr
Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * ServeSafe or Food Handler's Certification * Advanced ...
Executive Chef
Novato, CA · On-site
$83K - $115K/yr
Executive Chef - Detox & Residential SUD Facility (6 Beds) Location: Novato, CA Employment Type ... Research and implement new culinary trends where appropriate Qualifications Strong working ...
Quick apply
Executive Chef
Novato, CA · On-site
$83K - $115K/yr
Executive Chef - Detox & Residential SUD Facility (6 Beds) Location: Novato, CA Employment Type ... Research and implement new culinary trends where appropriate Qualifications Strong working ...
$74K - $102K/yr
The Chef De Cuisine will also drive menu research and development for all food outlets, ensure menu development timelines are met, direct and manage all Back of House (BOH) staff to achieve ...
$74K - $102K/yr
The Chef De Cuisine will also drive menu research and development for all food outlets, ensure menu development timelines are met, direct and manage all Back of House (BOH) staff to achieve ...
Chef De Cuisine
San Pablo, CA · On-site
$85K/yr
The Chef De Cuisine will also drive menu research and development for all food outlets, ensure menu development timelines are met, direct and manage all BOH staff to achieve executions expectations.
Chef De Cuisine
San Pablo, CA · On-site
$85K/yr
The Chef De Cuisine will also drive menu research and development for all food outlets, ensure menu development timelines are met, direct and manage all BOH staff to achieve executions expectations.
Chef De Cuisine
San Pablo, CA · On-site
$74K - $102K/yr
The Chef De Cuisine will also drive menu research and development for all food outlets, ensure menu development timelines are met, direct and manage all Back of House (BOH) staff to achieve ...
Chef De Cuisine
San Pablo, CA · On-site
$74K - $102K/yr
The Chef De Cuisine will also drive menu research and development for all food outlets, ensure menu development timelines are met, direct and manage all Back of House (BOH) staff to achieve ...
Pastry Chef
Buena Park, CA · On-site
$69K - $93K/yr
The Pastry Chef will coordinate with the Executive Sous Chef as well as the Executive Chef in ... research, development, testing and sampling of new recipes and putting the chosen recipes into ...
Pastry Chef
Buena Park, CA · On-site
$69K - $93K/yr
The Pastry Chef will coordinate with the Executive Sous Chef as well as the Executive Chef in ... research, development, testing and sampling of new recipes and putting the chosen recipes into ...
Head Pastry Chef
Culver City, CA · On-site
$90K/yr
Work directly with the Chef/Owner on menu development and R&D * Manage ordering, inventory, recipes, and food and labor costs * Maintain consistently high standards for quality, presentation, and ...
Head Pastry Chef
Culver City, CA · On-site
$90K/yr
Work directly with the Chef/Owner on menu development and R&D * Manage ordering, inventory, recipes, and food and labor costs * Maintain consistently high standards for quality, presentation, and ...
Head Pastry Chef
$80K - $90K/yr
Work directly with the Chef/Owner on menu development and R&D * Manage ordering, inventory, recipes, and food and labor costs * Maintain consistently high standards for quality, presentation, and ...
Quick apply
Head Pastry Chef
$80K - $90K/yr
Work directly with the Chef/Owner on menu development and R&D * Manage ordering, inventory, recipes, and food and labor costs * Maintain consistently high standards for quality, presentation, and ...
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 Sep 7, 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.
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?
| 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:
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Job description
Job Description
Job Description
Responsibilities:
Benefits/Perks
- Flexible Scheduling
- Competitive Compensation
- Career Advancement Opportunities
Job Summary
We are seeking a talented Chef to join our team. In this role, you’ll be responsible for creating innovative menus and preparing delicious meals for our customers. The ideal candidate is experienced, creative, and able to delegate tasks to kitchen staff. If you have a passion for creating meals that “wow,” we want to hear from you.
We are seeking a talented Chef to join our team. In this role, you’ll be responsible for creating innovative menus and preparing delicious meals for our customers. The ideal candidate is experienced, creative, and able to delegate tasks to kitchen staff. If you have a passion for creating meals that “wow,” we want to hear from you.
Responsibilities:
- Create menus according to season and customer research
- Set up the kitchen with necessary tools and equipment
- Prepare food and present it in an appealing manner
- Supervise and delegate tasks to other team members
- Maintain appropriate levels of inventory and restock when necessary
- Follow all food safety regulations
Qualifications:
- Previous experience as a chef or cook
- Certification from culinary school preferred
- ServeSafe or Food Handler’s Certification
- Advanced knowledge of culinary techniques and recipes
- Ability to remain calm and thrive under pressure
- Excellent time management skills
- Strong leadership skills