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Research Chef Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

RiverPlace Hotel

Executive Chef

Portland, OR · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Responsibilities Provides visionary leadership and management of the culinary research and ... Qualifications Prior experience as an Executive Chef. Excellent verbal and written communication ...

RiverPlace Hotel

Executive Chef

Portland, OR · On-site

$75K - $104K/yr

Responsibilities Provides visionary leadership and management of the culinary research and ... Qualifications Prior experience as an Executive Chef. Excellent verbal and written communication ...

CoralTree Hospitality

Executive Chef

Portland, OR

$105K - $115K/yr

Provides visionary leadership and management of the culinary research and development process from ... Prior experience as an Executive Chef. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Possess ...

Urban Restaurant Group

Executive Chef

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Executive Chef is the culinary mastermind behind all catering and event menus, responsible for ... Conduct continuous research and adapt menus based on seasonality, guest feedback, and ingredient ...

The Brahmin Group

Housekeeper/Nanny

Portland, OR · On-site

Through our thorough research into each perspective employee we will connect you with the crème de ... Also, some cooking of light, healthy, organic meals to supplement what the chef has prepared. This ...

Sysco

Sales Consultant

Portland, OR

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Sysco

Sales Consultant - Roseburg

Portland, OR

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Sysco

Sales Consultant - Vancouver

Portland, OR

$46K - $77K/yr

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Sysco

Sales Consultant - Florence

Portland, OR

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Sysco

Sales Consultant - Corvallis

Portland, OR

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Sysco

Sales Consultant - Eugene, OR

Portland, OR

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

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All JobsResearch Chef JobsResearch Chef Jobs in Portland, OR

Research Chef information

See Portland, OR salary details

$48.8K

$88.9K

$141K

How much do research chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for research chef in Portland, OR is $88,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,800.00 and $124,600.00 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 popular job titles related to Research Chef jobs in Portland, OR?

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

What job categories do people searching Research Chef jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Chef jobs in Portland, OR are:

Research Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Chef job openings in Portland, OR 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 $88,864 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

Executive Chef

RiverPlace Hotel

Portland, OR • On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Overview
This position is responsible for directing and over-seeing the entire food service operations throughout the property and overall leadership in the creative development and quality assurance in culinary operations. This includes directing product conceptualization, menu engineering, recipe development, item costing, concept testing, product specification development/sourcing, implementation of new menus, and on-going quality assurance processes and systems.
As a valued member of the CoralTree team, you'll receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
  • Group medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits.
  • Participation in a pre-tax flexible benefit plan for healthcare and dependent care reimbursement
  • An employee assistance program.
  • Paid time off/sick time
  • Participation in a 401(k) plan with a company match.
  • Team Member Free Room Night Program.

Responsibilities
Provides visionary leadership and management of the culinary research and development process from product creation through implementation. Devises innovative product offerings for a variety of venues including main dining rooms, buffets room service, specialty restaurants, banquets, catering, and themed/special events. Formulates and implements procedural guidelines, policies, and standards pertaining to the overall food and beverage operations. Included in this are menu design, product specifications, cleanliness and sanitation, and food, labor, and operating expenses' cost controls. Monitors industry trends and collaborates with internal and external partners in culinary research and development efforts. Manages the overall creation of menus, preparation instructions, and individual dish specifications by ingredients and corresponding portion sizes. Collaborates with Purchasing in identifying and sourcing required products. Develops standards, processes, and tools to assist in delivering consistent culinary products at both properties. Guides and supports culinary team in the implementation and adherence of company standards, processes, and systems. Monitors guests, partners, and internal feedback and takes corrective action as required ensuring the highest level of guest satisfaction. In partnership with the Food & Beverage management, develops and administers formal quality assurance processes including audits, secret shopper programs, culinary focus groups, consumer tastings, and customer/operator surveys.
Qualifications
Prior experience as an Executive Chef. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Possess strength in training and team building programs. Ability to multi-task and oversee multiple property Culinary departments. Must have 4 or 5 star background, knowledge, and ability to implement such standards. Must have experience in the process of creating and implementing successful new concepts.

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