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Research Chef Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Sous Chef

Morrisville, NC · 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 ...

Executive Chef

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$100K/yr

... research in food techniques to remain sharp and proactive, ahead of the curve. • Develop the ... of Chefs. • Influence the individual restaurants through hands-on training and collaboration.

Sous Chef

Durham, NC · On-site

$50K/yr

Come join the team at Marriott Raleigh Durham Research Triangle Park, conveniently located on the ... In conjunction with Executive Chef is responsible for supervising and assisting in the preparation ...

Sous Chef

Durham, NC · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Come join the team at Marriott Raleigh Durham Research Triangle Park, conveniently located on the ... In conjunction with Executive Chef is responsible for supervising and assisting in the preparation ...

Line Cook

Smithfield, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $17/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

Cary, NC · On-site

$16/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 ...

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

Line Cook

Smithfield, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $17/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

Smithfield, NC

$13.75 - $17/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 ...

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Restaurant Manager

Durham, NC · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Our Restaurant Managers partner with the General Manager and Executive Chef to provide direction ... research through the sale of its freshly squeezed lemonade. Firebirds has received numerous ...

Framework Developer Senior

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$53 - $70/hr

Research, evaluate and integrate new technologies and tools to enhance development efficiency and ... Familiarity with configuration management tools (e.g., Terraform, Ansible, Chef, Puppet)

Overnight Front Desk Agent

Durham, NC

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

We combine a multi-venue contemporary art museum, boutique hotel and a chef driven restaurant to ... Compile guest email addresses for comment cards and our market research company. * Track guest ...

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Showing results 1-20

Research Chef information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$44.7K

$81.5K

$129.3K

How much do research chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research chef in Raleigh, NC is $81,450.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $114,200.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Research Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Research Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Research Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Research Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Research Chef jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Research Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Chef job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,454 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

$100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Salary Range Commensurate w/Experience:

Starting Pay $100k / year Base

(plus, monthly profit share)

Benefits:

• FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES

• POTENTIAL FOR 4 DAY WORK WEEK, ONCE A MONTH

• UP TO 17 DAYS OF PTO

• 401K MATCH

• INSURANCE AFTER 60 DAYS

• WINE COUNTRY TRIPS

• FREE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

This role requires a hands-on approach. The Executive Chef for Sixty Vines will serve as a working Chef, responsible for training and developing their team daily. They will play a key role in implementing new recipes and ensuring adherence to existing ones. The Executive Chef will be the primary point of contact and leader in maintaining high food quality standards, and cost controls, and leading the culinary team.

Responsibilities

• Partnering with the General Manager and Director of Culinary, executing, and driving the culinary direction through a deep understanding of the brand DNA of Sixty Vines

• Ownership of the food menu including food cost and team to execute it.

• Deployment of new menu items and menu rollouts regulatory and compliance requisites.

• Product quality and execution of new menu items

• Continuing education and research in food techniques to remain sharp and proactive, ahead of the curve.

• Develop the foundation of the Sixty Vines culinary future through training and development of the next generation of Chefs.

• Influence the individual restaurants through hands-on training and collaboration. Hold the culinary team to a high level of accountability for results.

• Provide leadership in the areas of culinary safety, sanitation, and product education.

Profile

• 3-5 years of the following: culinary management, responsibility for menu rollouts & implementation of kitchen systems

• A reputation as a leader, motivator, and manager with proven ability to successfully develop and lead teams.

• The ability to learn quickly and collaborate with others.

• Strong understanding of restaurant systems

• High level of personal motivation/ambition and enthusiasm/energy, an entrepreneurial sensibility, high energy with a focus on detail

• Live within reasonable driving distance to one of our current restaurants

We participate in the E-Verify program. As part of our commitment to maintaining a legal workforce, we verify the employment eligibility of all new hires through E-Verify.

Equal Opportunity Employer