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Research Chef Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Heart n Belly

Head Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Lead menu R&D, incorporating customer feedback and food trends. * Standardize recipes to ensure ... As Head Chef, you'll have the creative freedom and resources to make a lasting impact on the team ...

Heart n Belly

Head Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Lead menu R&D, incorporating customer feedback and food trends. * Standardize recipes to ensure ... As Head Chef, you'll have the creative freedom and resources to make a lasting impact on the team ...

Heart n Belly

Head Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Lead menu R&D, incorporating customer feedback and food trends. * Standardize recipes to ensure ... As Head Chef, you'll have the creative freedom and resources to make a lasting impact on the team ...

Sysco Northeast Rdc

Sales Consultant - Olympia

Kent, WA · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Are you an experienced Sales Professional, Restaurant Manager, Culinary Manager or Chef looking for ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

New

Sysco

Sales Consultant - Tacoma

Seattle, WA · On-site

$51K - $85K/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

Seattle, WA · On-site

$51K - $85K/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 Corporation

Sales Consultant - USBL - US

Kent, WA · On-site

$53K - $75K/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 - Olympia

Seattle, WA

$51K - $85K/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 Corporation

Sales Consultant

Kent, WA · On-site

$51K - $85K/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 - Mt Vernon WA

Seattle, WA · On-site

$51K - $85K/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 Corporation

Sales Consultant - Bellevue

Kent, WA · On-site

$51K - $85K/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 - USBL - US

Seattle, WA · On-site

$53K - $75K/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 - Juneau, AK

Seattle, WA · On-site

$51K - $85K/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 Corporation

Sales Consultant - Olympia

Kent, WA · On-site

$51K - $85K/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 Representative - South Seattle

Seattle, WA · On-site

$53K - $75K/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.

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsResearch Chef JobsResearch Chef Jobs in Seattle, WA

Research Chef information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$52.3K

$95.4K

$151.4K

How much do research chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for research chef in Seattle, WA is $95,360.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,000.00 and $133,700.00 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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What job categories do people searching Research Chef jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

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Research Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Chef job openings in Seattle, WA 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 $95,360 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Research and Development Chef (Contract)

Intellectual Ventures

Bellevue, WA • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Research and Development Chef (Contract)

The Cooking Lab is seeking a highly skilled, detail-oriented contract Research and Development Chef. Our ideal candidate has deep expertise in pastry arts to support our pastry project. This contract position will work 40 hours per week onsite with our team of Research and Development chefs to test pastry recipes in collaboration with the Food Science team. Our research and development chefs play a key role in our pastry research through technical skill and precision, high quality data production, and thorough record keeping.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Pastry Testing and Evaluation
    • Meticulously follow experimental protocols developed by the Pastry Manager and Food Science team.
    • Prepare baked good samples for data in an efficient and highly organized manner.
    • Thoroughly document, accurately label, and effectively communicate all recipe iterations, testing outcomes, and process adjustments.
    • Apply critical thinking and problem-solving approaches during the experimental process.
  • Technical Execution
    • Apply advanced baking and pastry techniques to achieve the most consistent results possible. Experience working with pate a choux also desired.
    • Maintain high standards of quality, consistency, and data production.
  • Additional Duties
    • Collaborate with the culinary team to maintain kitchen organization and cleanliness on a daily basis.
    • Work effectively with cross-functional teams including Editorial, Marketing and Photography.

Qualifications:

  • Degree or certification in Pastry or Culinary Arts.
  • Minimum 5 years of professional pastry experience.
  • At least 2 years in a product development or R&D role preferred.
  • Strong organizational and documentation skills.

Preferred Skills:

  • Strong foundation in food science principles, especially related to ingredient functionality.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, experimental kitchen environment.
  • Experience executing recipes to an exceptionally high standard to meet photographic needs.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word for documentation and planning.

Why Join The Cooking Lab?

  • Be part of a world-class culinary team pushing the boundaries of pastry innovation.
  • Work in a collaborative, creative environment with access to cutting-edge tools and techniques.
  • Contribute to a high-profile pastry project with opportunities for growth and impact.
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