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Research Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PepsiCo

Away from Home Culinary R&D Scientist / Chef.

Plano, TX · On-site

$73K - $122K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview PepsiCo Culinary R&D focuses on creating distinctive culinary solutions that enhance our core brands and expand to new occasions. Our vision is to support PepsiCo's food products, making ...

Kagome Inc.

Business Development Chef

San Carlos, CA · On-site

Work with Kagome R&D managers and scientists to develop products/ideas/applications that meet ... Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist, a plus * Years and Type of Related ...

KAGOME, Inc.

Business Development Chef

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$77K - $127K/yr

Work with Kagome R&D managers and scientists to develop products/ideas/applications that meet ... Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist, a plus * Years and Type of Related ...

Home Chef

Executive Chef, Production

Lithia Springs, GA · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Attend weekly meetings with R&D chefs in order to give feedback on recipes or ingredient specifications * Review meal ratings weekly and assess areas for performance improvement Documentation and ...

Home Chef

Executive Chef, Production

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Attend weekly meetings with R&D chefs in order to give feedback on recipes or ingredient specifications * Review meal ratings weekly and assess areas for performance improvement Documentation and ...

Home Chef

Executive Chef, Production

Atlanta, GA

$68K - $94K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Attend weekly meetings with R&D chefs in order to give feedback on recipes or ingredient specifications * Review meal ratings weekly and assess areas for performance improvement Documentation and ...

TATSU-YA

Corporate Research & Development Sous Chef

Austin, TX · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Description Join the Tatsu-Ya Team as a Corporate R&D Sous Chef! At Tatsu-Ya, we're constantly pushing flavor forward. From new ramen builds and seasonal specials to innovative culinary concepts, our ...

Minnstate

Adjunct Chef Instructor of Culinology

Marshall, TX · On-site

$38K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

ACF or RCA certification (e.g., Certified Research Chef) * Executive or Head Chef experience * Teaching experience in a classroom setting Other Requirements Submission of resume and official ...

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Research Chef information

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$46K

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$133K

How much do research chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for research chef in the United States is $83,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $117,500.00 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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Research Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Chef job openings in the United States 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 $83,794 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Away from Home Culinary R&D Scientist / Chef.

PepsiCo

Plano, TX • On-site

$73K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

PepsiCo rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 895 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

156th of 439 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Overview
PepsiCo Culinary R&D focuses on creating distinctive culinary solutions that enhance our core brands and expand to new occasions. Our vision is to support PepsiCo's food products, making them iconic and integrating them into global food culture with consumers at the heart of each design.
Responsibilities
This role involves leading and supporting technical and creative culinary product development by translating consumer needs into innovative product designs. You will support the expanding Away from Home (AFH) business and Meals category for billion-dollar brands like Lay's, Doritos, and Cheetos. Collaboration with the Global Culinary Team is essential to build best-in-class culinary capabilities.
  • Culinary Leadership: Provide support for Annual Operation Planning (AOP) and Strategic Development Direction (SDD) for PFNA AFH and Meals.
  • Consumer-Centric Solutions: Work with commercial partners and the R&D community to create executable culinary inspirations.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Product Development, Sales, and Marketing to understand customer needs, back-of-house operations, ingredient sourcing, supply chain, and other constraints.
  • Prototype Development: Generate creative product prototypes to illustrate technical possibilities and align stakeholders.
  • Consumer Insights: Utilize consumer research and testing insights to guide product development, partnering with Sensory & Consumer Experience teams.
  • Trend Application: Apply food trends and culture to develop meaningful product attributes that meet consumer needs.
  • Technical Assessment: Evaluate the preliminary technical feasibility of concepts with customers.
  • Product Design: Contribute to product design for commercialization, including flavor recommendations, competitive assessments, and product development consultation.
  • Global Applicability: Ensure concepts developed locally have global relevance.
  • External Interfaces: Build relationships with external culinary suppliers, seasoning houses, flavor experts, and universities.
  • Vendor Collaboration: Identify and collaborate with ingredient vendors while protecting PepsiCo's intellectual property.
  • Food Culture Program: Execute aspects of the food culture adoption program.
  • Culinary Capabilities: Develop and share best-in-class culinary methodologies, tools, and practices globally.
  • Ingredient Transformation: Drive innovation through creative culinary techniques and new product forms.
  • Culinary Exploration: Engage in culinary explorations, including cookbook libraries, cuisines, cooking methods, trends, menu analysis, and market immersions.

Recommended Behaviours
  • Passion for Culinary Innovation: Demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for creating new and exciting food products.
  • Attention to Detail: Show meticulousness in recipe formulation, ingredient sourcing, and product testing.
  • Collaborative Spirit: Exhibit strong teamwork skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Adaptability: Be flexible and open to feedback, making necessary adjustments to recipes and processes.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Address and resolve issues related to taste, quality, cost, and preparation time in recipe development.
  • Continuous Learning: Stay informed about emerging food trends, innovations, and consumer preferences through research and continuing education.
  • Strong Communication: Effectively present new products and concepts to stakeholders, and train staff on new recipes and techniques.
  • Creativity and Innovation: Bring fresh ideas and creative solutions to the table, pushing the boundaries of culinary possibilities.
  • Technical Expertise: Possess a deep understanding of food science, ingredient functionality, and food safety regulations.
  • Leadership: Lead projects with confidence, guiding the culinary product development process from concept to execution.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • The expected compensation range for this position is between $73,400 - $122,850.
  • Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
  • Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 5% of annual salary paid out annually.
  • Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
  • In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts or Food Science with applied culinary training required or equivalent working experience within the Culinary R&D discipline.
  • Skills: Understanding of trends, ingredients, culinary techniques, and integration into product development. Strong knowledge of food and nutrition science.
  • Experience: 3-5 years of experience preferred.
  • Attributes: Ability to incorporate business needs into culinary designs, manage multiple assignments, strong communication skills, and intellectual curiosity.
  • This role is designed to inspire and lead culinary innovation, ensuring the successful development of new food products.
  • Travel: 20-40%

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Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity / Age
If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.
Please view our Pay Transparency Statement

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About PepsiCo

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated $86 billion in net revenue in 2022, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Purchase, NY, US

Year founded

1965

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