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Research Chef Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Certified Research Chef (CRC) credential or comparable food science training. WORKING CONDITIONS: The position requires qualified individuals to see,hearand speak (verbally and audibly). Required to ...

New

Under the direction of the Director of Research & Development the R&D Chef will execute daily tasks meant to elevate current recipes or bring new concepts to life as well as any projects needed to ...

Under the direction of the Director of Research & Development the R&D Chef will execute daily tasks meant to elevate current recipes or bring new concepts to life as well as any projects needed to ...

Under the direction of the Director of Research & Development the R&D Chef will execute daily tasks meant to elevate current recipes or bring new concepts to life as well as any projects needed to ...

Banquet Sous Chef

UT · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Work with Chefs in menu development and product research. Assist in preparing food for new menu changes. * In the absence of the Chef de Cuisine, be able to assist in ordering food items daily.

Work with Chefs in menu development and product research. Assist in preparing food for new menu changes. * In the absence of the Chef de Cuisine, be able to assist in ordering food items daily.

Banquet Sous Chef

Provo, UT · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESWork with Chefs in menu development and product research. Assist in preparing food for new menu changes.In the absence of the Chef de Cuisine, be able to assist ...

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 ...

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 ...

Sous Chef - Amangiri

Canyon Point, UT

$47K - $63K/yr

Reporting to the Executive Sous Chef, you will play a vital role in driving culinary innovation ... Lead culinary research and development from concept to implementation. Create and refine innovative ...

Resort Executive Sous Chef

Sundance, UT

$58K - $74K/yr

EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF Department: Food and Beverage Reports To: Director of Culinary Rate of Pay ... researching cooking equipment for optimizing efficiency, food prep for new/revamped outlets ...

Resort Executive Sous Chef

UT · On-site

$61K - $78K/yr

EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF Department: Food and Beverage Reports To: Director of Culinary Rate of Pay ... researching cooking equipment for optimizing efficiency, food prep for new/revamped outlets ...

Sous Chef ("Segundo Chef")

UT · On-site

$60K - $62K/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Research Chef information

See Utah salary details

$41.9K

$76.3K

$121.1K

How much do research chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for research chef in Utah is $76,283.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,600.00 and $107,000.00 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?

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 popular job titles related to Research Chef jobs in Utah?

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

What cities in Utah are hiring for Research Chef jobs?

Cities in Utah with the most Research Chef job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Research Chef job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,283 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Corporate Chef

Mobettahs

Lehi, UT • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Mo' Bettahs rating

4.6

Company rating: 4.6 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 106 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

At Mo'Bettah's, we valueKuleana(Responsibility), Ho'okipa (Hospitality and Aloha),Ho'okuku(Competitiveness),Mo'omeheu(Culture),Miki'oi(Fine Craftsmanship), and Pono (Righteousness). These values reflect the qualities of an ideal team player: hunger, kindness, energy, humility, and selflessness. We believe in taking responsibility for our actions, celebrating our unique Hawaiian culture, providing personable service, striving for excellence, and paying attention to detail.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Reporting to the Sr. Director of Marketing, this role owns culinary innovation and product quality across Mo'Bettahs. You will develop new menu items from firsttastetest through system-wide launch, continuously improve existing recipes for consistency, execution, and cost, andestablishthe product specifications and quality standards our restaurants and suppliers build to. You will spend time inour kitchencooking, tasting, and testing; inside supplier facilitiesvalidatingproducts; and in restaurants partnering with Operations and Training to ensure what works in development also works during a Friday night rush. You will also partner closely with our founders, Kimo and Kalani Mack, to ensure our foodremainstrue to the Hawaiian food and traditions Mo'Bettahswas built on. This position is based in Lehi, UT with travel to restaurants, suppliers, and test markets as the work requires.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

  • Lead culinary development for new menu items from ideation and bench testing through tastings,recipe refinement, operationsvalidation, and system-wide launch.

  • Continuously improve existing recipes for consistency, execution, yield, and food cost without compromising the guest experience.Manage brand recipe book.

  • Own recipes, build standards, plate presentation, prep specifications, hold times,portionstandards, and other culinary documentation used by restaurant Team Members.

  • Lead structured testing, including cuttings, blind comparisons, yield and shrink testing, and quality validation for proposed product or process changes.

  • Write andmaintainproduct specifications and quality standards forpurchasedingredients, including proteins, marinades, sauces, and produce.

  • Visit supplier and co-manufacturing facilities tovalidateproduct quality and serve as the culinary voice in supplier evaluations.

  • Partner with Operations and Training to test products in restaurantstorefineexecution andbuild clear training materials before system-wide rollout.

  • Partner with Food Safety to ensure recipes and specifications meet food safety, allergen, and holding requirements whilemaintainingstandards for taste, texture, appearance, yield, and consistency.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

  • 6+ years of progressive culinary experience, including at least 3 yearsinrecipe or product development for a multi-unit restaurant brand.

  • Proven experience taking products frominitialdevelopment through successful multi-location launch.

  • Strong hands-on proteinexpertise, including whole-muscle andportioncuts, marinades and brines, slow cooking, and grilling.

  • Strong understanding of food cost, yield, and thefinancial impactof culinary decisions.

  • Working knowledge of HACCP principles and allergen management;ServSafeManager Certification or ability to obtain within90 daysof hire.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate culinary standards into clear recipes, build guides, and training materials.

  • Ability to work cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, Training, Food Safety, and Supply Chain and confidently advocate for product quality.

  • Ability and willingness to travel to restaurants, suppliers, and test markets asrequired.

  • Culinary degree, degree in Food Science, Nutrition, ora relatedfield, or equivalent professional culinary experience.

PREFERRED:

  • Experience developing products for a protein-centric menu, particularly slow-cooked, grilled, or marinated proteins.

  • Experience with Hawaiian, Polynesian, or Asian cuisine and an understanding of or curiosity about the food traditions behind it.

  • Experience running a testkitchen, orlimited-time-offer development.

  • Certified Research Chef (CRC) credential or comparable food science training.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The position requires qualified individuals to see,hearand speak (verbally and audibly). Required to ascend and descend stairs; sit and stand for extended periods; lift 50 pounds; bend, stoop, and kneel. Required to stand for extended periods on a cook line near hot equipment including grills, steam tables, and rice cookers, to enter walk-in coolers and freezers during restaurant and supplier visits, and to taste and smell food products throughout the day. You maybe requiredto work outside in various weather conditions. You maybe requiredto work on a computer for extended periods, including viewing the screen, using a mouse, manipulating a keyboard with hands, and reaching with arms. You may be asked to drive or travel by car, air, or other transportation for business purposes. Must be able to function effectively in a fast-paced working environment.

Mo'Bettahsis an equal opportunity employer that prohibits workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, or pregnancy.


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