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Research Chef Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Raleigh, 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 ...

TOP THIS CATERING LLC

Line Cook

Cary, NC

$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 ...

Happy Distributing LLC

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 ...

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 ...

SAVORLABS LLC

Line Cook

Cary, NC

$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 ...

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 ...

TOP THIS CATERING LLC

Line Cook

Cary, NC

$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 ...

Sysco

Sales Representative

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.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Be Seen First

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 ...

TOP THIS CATERING LLC

Line Cook

Cary, NC

$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 ...

Infosys

ELK Stack Consultant

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... research on third-party products, providing in-depth insights on features, performance, and ... Puppet, Chef, Salt; managed Git/SVN and repository tools (JFrog, Artifactory, Nexus). • ...

Cliftonlarsonallen

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)

Collabera

Cloud Engineer

Raleigh, NC

$54.25 - $72.50/hr

Research Triangle Park NC Job Duration: 18 months+ Contract Job Responsibilities: Description ... Experience with provisioning and configuration management tools such as Puppet, Chef, cobbler, or ...

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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 Jun 30, 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.

How to become a certified research chef?

Research chefs typically do not require formal certification but benefit from culinary degrees, experience in food science, and knowledge of food safety standards. Some may pursue certifications such as ServSafe or specialized food science credentials to enhance their expertise and credibility in the field.

What is a R&D chef?

An R&D chef, or research and development chef, is responsible for creating and testing new food products, recipes, and formulations for a company. They often work in test kitchens, collaborate with product development teams, and use culinary skills and food science knowledge to innovate and improve offerings.

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 do research chefs do?

Research chefs develop and test new food products, recipes, and flavor combinations for food companies or restaurants. They analyze ingredients, conduct sensory evaluations, and use culinary skills to improve or create offerings, often working with food scientists and product development teams.

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 is the highest paid chef job?

The highest paid chef roles are executive chefs, head chefs, or culinary directors in high-end restaurants, hotels, or corporate food services, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. Specialized roles such as consulting chefs or culinary entrepreneurs can also earn higher incomes depending on experience and reputation.
More about Research Chef jobs
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:
Research Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Chef job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,450 per year, or $39.2 per hour.
Sous Chef

Sous Chef

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

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Key responsibilities

  • Provides direction and training to back of house team members by coaching, counseling, and providing feedback on job performance.

  • Supervises back of house operations and food production for the restaurant and FIREBAR®.

  • Oversees butchering and portion control, including supervising team members certified in butchering duties.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 86 rated restaurants

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
  • Participation in a Profit Sharing Plan
  • Comprehensive training
  • Three weeks of paid time-off annually
  • 401k + Company Match
  • Competitive benefits — Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance
  • New restaurant 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 70 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.

What Firebirds Wood Fired Grill employees say

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