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Research Chef Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef ("Segundo Chef")

Lexington, MI ยท On-site

$43K - $59K/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")

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$49K - $66K/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")

Detroit, MI

$49K - $66K/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")

Detroit, MI

$49K - $66K/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")

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$49K - $66K/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 ...

Testing & Validation Manager

Grand Blanc, MI ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead R&D testing initiatives to support early failure detection during the development phase ... Hiring Philosophy All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes ...

New

Executive Chef

Midland, MI

$56K - $77K/yr

Use market research to develop new products. * Responsible for maintaining quality of food product ... Minimum of three years of prior experience as an Executive Chef in a hotel, resort, or comparable ...

Chef Manager

Southfield, MI ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Chef Manager is primarily responsible for culinary preparation, business development, and ... Conduct research and development of new culinary trends and ideas for menus. 5. Complete weekly ...

Chef Manager

Troy, MI

$60K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description The Chef Manager is primarily responsible for culinary preparation, business ... Conduct research and development of new culinary trends and ideas for menus. 5. Complete weekly ...

Chef Manager

Southfield, MI

$60K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description The Chef Manager is primarily responsible for culinary preparation, business ... Conduct research and development of new culinary trends and ideas for menus. 5. Complete weekly ...

Executive Chef

Midland, MI ยท On-site

$56K - $77K/yr

Use market research to develop new products. * Responsible for maintaining quality of food product ... Minimum of three years of prior experience as an Executive Chef in a hotel, resort, or comparable ...

Lead Sealing Technology Engineer

Rochester Hills, MI ยท On-site

$94K - $124K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Establish strategic partnerships with suppliers, universities, and research organizations Who You ... Hiring Philosophy All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes ...

New

Sushi Line Cook

Plymouth, MI ยท On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Career Advancement Opportunities Job Summary We are seeking a talented Sushi Chef to join our team ... Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ...

Sushi Line Cook

Plymouth, MI ยท On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Career Advancement Opportunities Job Summary We are seeking a talented Sushi Chef to join our team ... Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ...

Sushi Line Cook

Plymouth, MI ยท On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Career Advancement Opportunities Job Summary We are seeking a talented Sushi Chef to join our team ... Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ...

Line Chef

Detroit, MI

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

  • PTO

This is a chance to do serious cooking: an in-house masa program with heirloom corn nixtamalized and stone-ground daily, a menu that moves between Mexican tradition and invention, and constant R&D ...

Line Cook

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$15 - $20/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 ...

Line Cook

New Baltimore, MI ยท On-site

$14.25 - $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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Research Chef information

See Michigan salary details

$40.1K

$73K

$115.9K

How much do research chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for research chef in Michigan is $73,034.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $102,400.00 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.

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

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Research Chef jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Research Chef job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Research Chef job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,034 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Sous Chef ("Segundo Chef")

AZUL HOSPITALITY MASTER

Lexington, MI โ€ข On-site

$43K - $59K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

POSITION PURPOSE
Direct food preparation, production and control for all food outlets and banquet facilities at resort.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Supervise and coordinate activities of lead cooks, line cooks, prep cooks, and stewards.
  • Responsible for enhancing the food product that is presented to guests. Make changes that respond to the marketplace and to guests needs, both present and anticipated. Recommend changes to the food product. Use market research to develop new products.
  • Read menu to estimate food requirements. Order food products and supplies from vendors.
  • Lead the preparation and production of meals, food quality and presentation.
  • Supervise staff in all food preparation including proper receiving and storage of all food and food-related items.
  • Expedite peak meal periods by maintaining a 'hands on' approach.
  • Ensure compliance with all safety and sanitation standards and regulations, team member productivity and performance, cost controls and overall profitability.
  • Visually inspect, select, and use quality food and beverage products including, but not limited to, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, and spices
  • Create and implement new menus and individual food items.
  • Set targeted sanitation standards, set standards for all product rotation and ensure food cost is always in the front of mind for culinary staff.
  • Assume the role of liaison between the culinary team and all other hotel departments.
  • Participate in and oversee monthly food inventories.
  • Responsible for maintaining quality of food product and ensuring consistency in food delivery and standards.
  • Provide support of a specialist nature to the Executive Committee, particularly to the Executive Chef. Work in support of team goals and measures effectiveness through Food Cost, Payroll and Food & Beverage profit performance of the resort.
  • Maintain food costs within budget guidelines.
  • Participate in the hiring process of new staff members.
  • Conduct and participate in monthly departmental meetings.
  • Manage the payroll of the culinary team, including daily management of the time and attendance system.
  • Continuously evaluate the performance and encourage improvement of the staff members in the food and beverage department.
  • Arrange, provide, and supervise training of new staff members to include familiarization of property, standard operating procedures, and policies. Cross-train staff members in all positions within their area of responsibility and all types of equipment to perform their duties, in addition to successful implementation and follow-up checklists. Ensure that all staff members are retrained as needed.
  • Serve as a role model to all staff members, adhering closely to policies and procedures, practicing the highest standards of performance. Set the highest possible example in conduct, temperament, punctuality, and standards of work.
  • Be familiar with all company benefits and policies.

SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS
In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the manager based upon the particular requirements of the hotel:
  • Assist with any guest inquiry.
  • Follow all company and safety and security policies and procedures.
  • Report maintenance problems, safety hazards, accidents, or injuries.
  • Perform other reasonable job duties as requested by direct and indirect supervisors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Environmental conditions are inside, a job is considered inside if staff spends approximately 75 percent or more of the time inside. Temperature is moderate and controlled by hotel environmental systems.
  • Must be able to work in extreme temperatures like freezers (-10ยฐF) and kitchens (+110ยฐF), possible for one (1) hour or more.
  • Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to four (4) hours in length.
  • Must be able to exert well-paced ability to maneuver between functions occurring simultaneously.
  • Must be able to exert well-paced ability in limited space and to reach other departments of the hotel on a timely basis.
  • Must be able to lift up to 45 lbs. as needed.
  • Must be able to push and pull carts and equipment weighing up to 250 lbs.
  • Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening, and hearing ability and visual acuity.
  • Hearing, smelling, tasting, and visual ability to observe and distinguish product quality and detect signs of emergency situations.
  • Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with other staff, guests, and supervisors.
  • Vision occurs continuously with the most common visual functions being those of near and color vision and depth perception.
  • Must be able to bend, stoop, squat and stretch to fulfill cleaning tasks occasionally.
  • Must have finger dexterity to be able to operate office equipment such as computers, printers, 10-key adding machine, multi-line touch tone phone, filing cabinets, FAX machines, photocopiers, dolly, and other office equipment as needed.
  • Ability to work primarily with fingers to pick, pinch, type and carry out substantial movements (motions) of the wrists and hands as well.

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  • Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language used in the workplace.
  • Requires good communication skills, verbal, written and electronic.
  • Considerable knowledge of complex mathematical calculations and computer programs.
  • Must have excellent leadership capability and customer relations skills.
  • Must be detail oriented with outstanding organizational and communication skills.
  • Must possess intermediate computer skills.
  • Must Possess basic computational skills.
  • Knowledge of computer programs, math skills as well as budgetary analysis capabilities required.
  • Ability to analyze, foresee user needs, and makes judgments to ensure proper tools are provided at property level.
  • Ability to effectively deal with internal and external customers some of whom will require high levels of patience, tact and diplomacy and collect accurate information to resolve conflicts.
  • Knowledgeable about basic function of Windows OS, MS Office, PMS, PBX, Key system, and POS.
  • Self-driven and able to work independently.
  • Exceptionally strong in issue resolution and proven analytical skills with a strong attention to detail
  • Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local laws governing equal employment opportunity and civil rights, occupational safety and health, wage and hour issues, and labor relations, including, but not limited to the following statutes and their state and local analogues (where applicable): Title VII, ADEA, Equal Pay Act, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, FLSA, ADA, OSHA, FMLA, and NLRA.
  • Thorough knowledge of food products, standard recipes, and proper preparation.
  • Ability to distinguish product quality, taste, texture, and presentation and observe preparation.
  • Ability to conduct meetings, menu briefings and maintain communication lines between line staff and departmental managers.
  • Artistic ability to create theme menus, ideas for ice carvings, decorations, etc.
  • Extensive knowledge of menu development, insight into marketing, cost and wage control.
  • Ability to create recipes and support material, i.e., recipe cards, descriptions, and pictures, and to read and visualize same.

EDUCATION
  • High school or equivalent education required
  • Minimum of two years of culinary schooling preferred.

EXPERIENCE
  • Must have five years of prior experience as Chef with knowledge of most international and domestic dishes.
  • Must have extensive knowledge of wine pairing.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS
  • Certification as Chef or Certified Master Chef by a government accredited culinary agency.
  • Safe Server Alcohol & Food Handlers certification required.
  • Ability to provide and maintain a valid drivers license as the position may require the operation of motorized and electric vehicles.
  • CPR certification and/or First Aid training preferred.

GROOMING
All Staff Members must maintain a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance per Azul Hospitality standards. Refer to the property specific required grooming and uniform standards policy.
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance in conformance with the standards, which may be established by Azul Hospitality, from time to time, is essential to the successful performance of this position. Staff with irregular attendance / tardiness will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Upon employment, all staff is required to fully comply with Azul Hospitality rules and regulations for the safe and effective operation of the hotels facilities. Staff members who violate hotel rules and regulations will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Due to the cyclical nature of the hospitality industry, staff members may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of the hotel. In addition, attendance at all scheduled training sessions and meetings is required. This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that a staff member in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.