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Research Chef Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

The Pictsweet Company

Food Scientist

Bells, TN · On-site

Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist preferred * Product Development experience for Food Manufacturing required; 3 years minimum * Culinary experience in a restaurant kitchen or ...

The Pictsweet Company

Food Scientist

Bells, TN · On-site

Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist preferred * Product Development experience for Food Manufacturing required; 3 years minimum * Culinary experience in a restaurant kitchen or ...

The Pictsweet Company

Food Scientist

Bells, TN

Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist preferred * Product Development experience for Food Manufacturing required; 3 years minimum * Culinary experience in a restaurant kitchen or ...

Sushi-San

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Research, develop and execute seasonal menus and new menu items as directed in partnership with divisional leaders * Ensure effective BOH training in collaboration with divisional trainers and chefs

Sushi-San

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN

$70K - $100K/yr

Research, develop and execute seasonal menus and new menu items as directed in partnership with divisional leaders * Ensure effective BOH training in collaboration with divisional trainers and chefs

Momotaro - Nashville

Sous Chef

Nashville, TN

$60K - $65K/yr

Collaborate on seasonal menu development and R&D alongside the Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine * Document recipes and plating standards to ensure accurate replication and execution * Maintain and ...

Momotaro - Nashville

Sous Chef

Nashville, TN

$48K - $65K/yr

Collaborate on seasonal menu development and R&D alongside the Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine * Document recipes and plating standards to ensure accurate replication and execution * Maintain and ...

Momotaro - Nashville

Sous Chef

Nashville, TN

$48K - $65K/yr

Collaborate on seasonal menu development and R&D alongside the Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine * Document recipes and plating standards to ensure accurate replication and execution * Maintain and ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Our Sous Chefs partner with the Executive Chef to provide direction and training to team members by ... research through the sale of its freshly squeezed lemonade. Firebirds has received numerous ...

ZUZU NASHVILLE

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN

$72K - $84K/yr

Lead tasting, testing, and R&D processes to ensure dishes meet the highest standards of flavor ... Mentor sous chefs and key culinary leaders to build long-term bench strength. * Lead by example ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Chattanooga, TN · 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

Chattanooga, TN · 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 ...

Peabody Hotels & Resorts

Pastry Cook

Memphis, TN · On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

Executive Chef, Executive Pastry Chef and Assistant Pastry Chef. SUPERVISES: N/A. WORK ENVIRONMENT ... Research new products, menu items and display pieces. * Attend designated meetings. * Work off ...

Peabody Hotels & Resorts

Pastry Cook

Memphis, TN · On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

Executive Chef, Executive Pastry Chef and Assistant Pastry Chef. SUPERVISES: N/A. WORK ENVIRONMENT ... Research new products, menu items and display pieces. * Attend designated meetings. * Work off ...

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Research Chef information

See Tennessee salary details

$41.8K

$76.1K

$120.7K

How much do research chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for research chef in Tennessee is $76,053.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $106,600.00 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

Research Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Chef job openings in Tennessee 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 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,053 per year, or $36.6 per hour.

Food Scientist

The Pictsweet Company

Bells, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Pictsweet rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

308th of 438 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

The Pictsweet Company is recruiting for a Food Scientist to join our Innovation Center of Excellence at the company headquarters in Bells, TN.  Reporting to the Director of Innovation, the Food Scientist will play a crucial role in the development and commercialization of innovative and high-quality food products.  The Food Scientist will work closely with cross-functional teams including Operations, Engineering, Marketing, FSQA and Sales.  The Innovation Team is the creative center of what we do at The Pictsweet Company, and as such, the Food Scientist will be charged with not only maintaining knowledge of innovative industry trends but also embracing the rich culture and history of our distinctive brand.


  • Develop new items from concept through to commercialization; continuously monitor product throughout its lifecycle
  • Reformulate/evaluate existing items for continuous improvement and market relevance
  • Solve technical problems in product formulation, processing and packaging
  • Conduct sensory evaluations of products and translate testing outcomes into actionable next steps for product success
  • Develop and maintain accurate and organized product documentation throughout the product lifecycle; including but not limited to internal product specifications, FDA labeling requirements, supplier specifications, food cost and associated databases
  • Monitor industry trends to grow a portfolio of products ideas
  • Other related duties, as required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field from an accredited college/university
  • Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist preferred
  • Product Development experience for Food Manufacturing required; 3 years minimum
  • Culinary experience in a restaurant kitchen or related experience; 2 years minimum
  • Strong knowledge of food product development, product commercialization, sensory science and testing methodologies
  • Batter/breading and or fried food manufacturing experience desirable
  • Strong grasp of food trends, techniques, innovations and menu development
  • Must possess an intense passion for food
  • Demonstrated project management skills with ability to self-motivate and work well under strict timelines
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills
  • Exceptional organizational and project management skills
  • Ability to taste and smell flavor profiles and food products
  • Must be able to work in a freezer environment
  • Required to stand/walk, bend, stoop, kneel and reach
  • Ability to lift/push/carry items up to 50 pounds
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office

The Pictsweet Company is an equal opportunity employer.  M/F/V/H

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