ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Research Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Amy's

R&D Chef's Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

The Chef's Assistant will assist the R&D Chef and R&D Staff in the prepping and executing (cooking) of various tests and tastings, and will assist with all other food preparation in the R&D Kitchen ...

the Chef Agency

MA

$76K - $105K/yr

Popular Hotel Group looking to hire an Executive Chef to oversee multiple F*B operations in Cape ... Experience with menu creation, concept and R&D * Strong operational knowledge of inventory, costing ...

Birdsong

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$80K - $85K/yr

Sous Chef (R&D and Events) - Birdsong (SOMA) Join the culinary team at Birdsong, led by Chef Chris Bleidorn. Birdsong is a 2 Michelin-starred restaurant in San Francisco, focused on whole animal and ...

My Father's Barbeque

Kitchen Chef

Carson, CA

$24/hr

Please do your research on the My Father's Barbeque and Chef Shalamar before applying. This is a job with a purpose: to serve great food, give great service and service our community. Kitchen Chef ...

Settles Hill Banquets & Events

Chef

Altamont, NY · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or sous chef * Certification from culinary school preferred

The Pictsweet Company

Food Scientist

Bells, TN · On-site

Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist preferred * Product Development experience for Food Manufacturing required; 3 years minimum * Culinary experience in a restaurant kitchen or ...

Qualified Recruiter

Chef

Houston, TX

$20 - $25/hr

Conduct market research to identify trends and opportunities in the culinary landscape ... Qualifications * 5+ years of chef experience * Experience with food cost, labor cost, and menu ...

Qualified Recruiter

Chef

Houston, TX · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Conduct market research to identify trends and opportunities in the culinary landscape ... Qualifications * 5+ years of chef experience * Experience with food cost, labor cost, and menu ...

State of Louisiana

CHEF

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

LUMCON has provided unparalleled opportunities in marine science and education to the research ... LUMCON is seeking a Chef for the RV Pelican. LUMCON vessels support science operations and ...

Jakes Steakhouse

Chef

East Meadow, NY · On-site

$1.2K/wk

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or ...

B&N Partners LLC

Chef

Hiram, GA · On-site

$50K/yr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or ...

Verona Vineyards & Winery

Chef

Verona, KY · On-site

$48K - $50K/yr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or ...

Farmer's Fridge

R&D Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

As the R&D Chef at Farmer's Fridge, you will be the creative engine behind our ever-evolving menu. You'll create delicious and scalable recipes to fill our core menu as well as building velocity and ...

Farmer's Fridge Careers

R&D Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

As the R&D Chef at Farmer's Fridge, you will be the creative engine behind our ever-evolving menu. You'll create delicious and scalable recipes to fill our core menu as well as building velocity and ...

Zeke's Coffee

Chef

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$55K/yr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or ...

K & K Restaurant Group Inc

Chef

Foxboro, MA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or ...

AURA BALLROOM INC

Chef

Plainview, NY

$17 - $21/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or ...

Vybez Restaurant and Lounge

Chef

Lithonia, GA · On-site

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Previous experience as a chef or cook * Certification from culinary school preferred * ServeSafe or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsResearch Chef Jobs

Research Chef information

See salary details

$46K

$83.8K

$133K

How much do research chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 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.

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.

More about Research Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Research Chef jobs? Cities with the most Research Chef job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Chef jobs? The most popular types of Research Chef jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Research Chef jobs? The top employers for Research Chef jobs are:
What states have the most Research Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Chef jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Research Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Research Chef jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Chef jobs? For Research Chef jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Research Chef jobs near you

R&D Chef's Assistant

Amy's

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$26 - $36/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

About Amy's
At Amy's Kitchen, we're more than just a food company- we're a family-owned, proudly independent organic, and vegetarian food company on a mission. As a Certified B Corporation®, our purpose is clear: to make it simple and enjoyable for everyone to eat well.
We're committed to crafting authentic, mouthwatering dishes using only the finest organic ingredients sourced with care. From farm to table, we ensure top-notch quality in every bite, making healthy eating accessible and convenient for all. At Amy's, we're not just serving meals; we're serving up a taste of goodness, one delicious dish at a time.
Shift: 1st | 5am start time
Pay: $26-36/hr.
Location: 2330 Northpoint Parkway, Santa Rosa, CA 95407
Amy's Perks:
  • A fun and safe atmosphere where teamwork is encouraged
  • Weeks of on-the-job training for your new role
  • Discount on Amy's products
  • Opportunities to grow and advance your career
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package
  • Affordable Amy's meals on-site for lunch and dinner
  • Bonus incentives based on attendance and safety
  • Referral Bonuses
  • Safety Shoe Program, covered by Amy's
  • 401k program (up to 4% contribution matching after 1 year)
  • Parental Leave Program
  • Education reimbursement; scholarship Program
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Unpaid Time Off options

SUMMARY
The R&D Chef's Assistant will assist in the development of all new and reformulated products for Amy's Kitchen. They will assist in the preliminary preparation, cooking and assembling of new products. The Chef's Assistant will assist the R&D Chef and R&D Staff in the prepping and executing (cooking) of various tests and tastings, and will assist with all other food preparation in the R&D Kitchen as needed. The R&D Chef's Assistant will spend some of their day working in the production areas of the plant(s). This role will carry out all R&D activities on the production floor working to ensure proper scale-up of recipes.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Includes the following, other duties may be
assigned as needed.
  • Learn and understand the processes for manufacturing our products.
  • Execute recipe cooking in kitchen during scale-up.
  • Maintain R&D samples in holding freezer, making sure all products are organized.
  • Learn and understand formulations and batch sheets.
  • Execute all types of batch sheets and/or formulations, following standard procedures and ensuring that all pertinent information is accurate and properly documented.
  • Track all recipe changes and other pertinent information needed for scale-up activities.
  • Check all ingredients and intermediate foods to verify they match batch sheet requirements, and are made to standard.
  • Independent troubleshooting of scale up issues. Report back to management with recommendations to address issues.
  • Understand the safe use of all equipment (Current equipment as well as new/test equipment units).
  • Instruct production staff on use of equipment for all new production runs.
  • Taste products frequently ensuring they are meeting R&D standards.
  • Execute all instructions given to them by R&D manger and chef.
  • It is the responsibility of all employees to uphold the mission of the Amy's Food Safety and Quality Policy. This includes following all Food Safety and Sustainability programs and participating in all required training.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Strong working knowledge of Amy's Kitchen manufacturing and production processes.
  • Must have ability to communicate effectively.
  • Strong English Skills (both written and verbal) required.
  • Must have ability to multi-task and prioritize.
  • Team oriented.
  • Ability to take initiative; self starter.
  • Basic computer skills/knowledge.
  • Basic math skills.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • This job does not have supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
  • Culinary technical degree, or five to seven years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
  • Ability to read and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations.
  • Ability to write business correspondence.
  • Ability to effectively present information to coworkers at a peer level and respond to questions from coworkers, supervisors or managers.

MATHMATICAL SKILLS
  • Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts (addition, subtraction, etc.)
  • Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral , diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, OR REGISTRATIONS
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to stand and walk, use hands to
handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk or hear,
and taste or smell. The employee will occasionally push, pull, lift and/or move 50 - 65 pounds, and
team lift over 100 pounds. No specific vision abilities are required for this position.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the essential functions of the job the employee may be exposed to and/or work near
moving mechanical parts, wet and/or humid conditions or extreme cold. The noise level is usually
moderate. The position requires frequent movement, reaching, stretching, lifting, pulling, pushing and
rapid movements.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply