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Research Chef Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Sous Chef

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$46K - $63K/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 ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Sous Chef

Wake Forest, NC · On-site

$42K - $57K/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 ...

Duke University

Sous Chef

Durham, NC · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Today, Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North ... As a Sous Chef within Duke Dining, you'll play a critical leadership role in creating exceptional ...

Duke University

Sous Chef

Durham, NC

$48K - $65K/yr

Today, Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North ... As a Sous Chef within Duke Dining, you'll play a critical leadership role in creating exceptional ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

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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 ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Wake Forest, 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 ...

DRIFTWOOD HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

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 ...

DRIFTWOOD HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

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 ...

Sysco

Sales Representative - Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... 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.

TOP THIS CATERING LLC

Line Cook

Cary, NC · 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 ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

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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 ...

Happy Distributing LLC

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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All JobsResearch Chef JobsResearch Chef Jobs in Raleigh, NC

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 Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research chef in Raleigh, NC is $81,454.00, 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.

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.

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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:

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Research Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Chef job openings in Raleigh, NC as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,454 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Sous Chef

Morrisville, NC • On-site

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
See more jobs at Firebirds Wood Fired Grillexternal

$46K - $63K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Description
Job Description

Position Overview:

Our Sous Chefs partner with the Executive Chef to provide direction and training to team members by coaching, counseling, and providing feedback on job performance. The Sous Chefs are responsible for butchering and portion control, additionally they supervise team members who have been certified in butchering duties. We expect our Sous Chefs to have excellent communication skills, as they are responsible for the back of house team members and certain administrative tasks, including but not limited to scheduling, staffing, ordering and inventory. Our Sous Chefs oversee all back of house operations and food production for the restaurant and FIREBAR®.

What we expect of you:

  • Provides support to Executive Chef in all areas of responsibility
  • Manages back of house team members, operations, and food production for the restaurant and FIREBAR®
  • Provides direction and training to team members by coaching, counseling, and providing feedback
  • Accountable for ordering produce, seafood, and main food orders
  • Conducts inventory bi-weekly in a team effort
  • Responsible for scheduling back of house team members
  • Responsible for team development by interviewing and hiring back of house team members to maintain staffing goals
  • Supervises and participates in butchering and portion control on each shift
  • Responsible for creating a positive environment that sets the expectation for quality food and a neat, clean and organized kitchen

What’s in it for you:

  • Excellent earning potential
  • Attainable monthly bonus program
  • Comprehensive training
  • Three weeks of paid time-off annually
  • 401k + Company Match
  • Competitive benefits— Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance
  • New store openings— several growth opportunities for all team members!
  • Holiday closures— closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving Day; early closures on Christmas Eve!

Qualifications:

  • 2 years high volume, full service restaurant experience in a management position
  • Warm, passionate, and committed to the industry
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to remain calm, cool, and collected under pressure
  • Self-Actualized and motivated
  • Self-discipline; maintained professional appearance
  • Butchering experience preferred
  • Scratch Kitchen Experience preferred

If you are seeking a position with growth opportunities, in depth learning and development, and supportive team members, then spark the flame and apply to Firebirds today!
Firebirds is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Company Description
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is a collection of 71 polished-casual restaurants specializing in boldly flavored, classic American cuisine, including fresh steaks and seafood prepared from scratch and seared over local hickory, oak or pecan wood on an authentic wood-fired grill. Architectural features include custom-designed wine walls, inviting patios and the FIREBAR, which boasts a wide selection of artisan cocktails, craft beer and a robust wine list, including Firebirds private label wine, served at proper cellar temperatures. With its purpose to Serve, enrich and exceed, Firebirds prides itself on providing real value and unexpected delights to its guests, while weaving itself into the fabric of the communities it serves. To date, Firebirds has donated more than $4 million to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation to fund childhood cancer research through the sale of its freshly squeezed lemonade. Firebirds has received numerous national awards, including multiple Trip Advisor Certificates of Excellence and recognition in the FSR 50 Top 10 Fast-Growing Chains and as one of 10 Breakout Brands by Nations Restaurant News. For more information or to find a location, visit firebirdsrestaurants.com, like Firebirds on Facebook or follow Firebirds on Twitter at @FirebirdsGrill or Instagram at @FirebirdsGrill.
Company Description
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is a collection of 71 polished-casual restaurants specializing in boldly flavored, classic American cuisine, including fresh steaks and seafood prepared from scratch and seared over local hickory, oak or pecan wood on an authentic wood-fired grill. Architectural features include custom-designed wine walls, inviting patios and the FIREBAR, which boasts a wide selection of artisan cocktails, craft beer and a robust wine list, including Firebirds private label wine, served at proper cellar temperatures. With its purpose to Serve, enrich and exceed, Firebirds prides itself on providing real value and unexpected delights to its guests, while weaving itself into the fabric of the communities it serves. To date, Firebirds has donated more than $4 million to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation to fund childhood cancer research through the sale of its freshly squeezed lemonade. Firebirds has received numerous national awards, including multiple Trip Advisor Certificates of Excellence and recognition in the FSR 50 Top 10 Fast-Growing Chains and as one of 10 Breakout Brands by Nations Restaurant News. For more information or to find a location, visit firebirdsrestaurants.com, like Firebirds on Facebook or follow Firebirds on Twitter at @FirebirdsGrill or Instagram at @FirebirdsGrill.

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