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Research Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Talis Group, Inc.

Foodservice R&D Specialist

Louisville, KY · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Talis Group's client, a respected and innovative company searching for a Foodservice R&D Specialist who combines hands-on chef experience with a passion for research and product development. This is ...

The Dixboro Project

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Partner with Chef Partner Garrett Lipar on menu development, seasonal evolution, tastings, and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in ...

The Dixboro Project

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Partner with Chef Partner Garrett Lipar on menu development, seasonal evolution, tastings, and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in ...

The DIXBORO PROJECT

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Partner with Chef Partner Garrett Lipar on menu development, seasonal evolution, tastings, and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in ...

The Dixboro Project

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI

$95K - $120K/yr

Partner with Chef Partner Garrett Lipar on menu development, seasonal evolution, tastings, and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in ...

Altius Search Group

Chef - Dim Sum

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

This role is focused on the research, development, and production of high-quality dim sum doughs ... Working from our central commissary kitchen, this chef will lead the development of innovative ...

Clemente Bar

Executive Sous Chef

New York, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Work closely with the Chef De Cuisine and R&D Chefs to develop new dishes seasonally. * Assist in writing and costing recipes for the menu. * Develop new techniques for each dish as they become ...

Vivibowl

Culinary Innovation Chef

Manhattan, NY

$90K - $120K/yr

We're seeking an innovative, hands-on Chef to join our Research & Development (R&D) team and help shape the future of our menu. This role is central to crafting new menu items, refining existing ...

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Research Development Chef information

See salary details

$48.5K

$101.8K

$165K

How much do research development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development chef in the United States is $101,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Research Development Chef position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Development Chef, you need comprehensive culinary expertise, a deep understanding of food science, and often a degree in culinary arts or food technology. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, recipe management software, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is highly valuable. Creativity, problem-solving skills, and strong collaboration abilities help you excel when designing innovative recipes and working with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure you can successfully develop new food products that meet both culinary standards and market demands.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Research Development Chef?

As a Research Development Chef, your day often involves creating and testing new recipes, refining existing products, and collaborating with food scientists and marketing teams on product concepts. You'll also conduct sensory evaluations, oversee kitchen trials, and ensure that all recipes meet quality, safety, and cost parameters. Working closely with other chefs, suppliers, and sometimes clients, you help bring innovative food ideas from the test kitchen to commercial production. The role is dynamic and hands-on, blending creative culinary work with research and project management tasks.

What does a Research Development Chef do?

A Research Development Chef is responsible for creating, testing, and refining new food products, recipes, and menu items, often for restaurants, food manufacturers, or retail brands. They blend culinary creativity with food science and market trends to develop innovative and scalable food concepts. Their role involves experimenting with ingredients, improving flavors, ensuring product consistency, and considering factors like cost, nutrition, and production feasibility.

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Research Development Chef jobs near you

Maple & Ash Chicago - Chef De Cuisine

MAPLE HOSPITALITY GROUP

Chicago, IL • On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Join Maple Hospitality Group, where culinary excellence meets unparalleled service. Led by renowned restaurateur Jim Lasky and two-Michelin-starred Chef Danny Grant, known for his innovative approach to fine dining, we're building a team of passionate food lovers dedicated to creating iconic destinations.

We believe success hinges on impeccable food, world-class service, and one-of-a-kind dining experiences. As we expand across Chicago, Scottsdale, Dallas, Santa Barbara, Miami, Boston and New York, you'll find endless opportunities for growth, travel, and continuing education.

Our culture is built on four core principles:

  • Generosity: Always give more, exceed expectations.
  • Excellence: Deliver exceptional work with unmatched expertise.
  • Fun: Love what you do, laugh often, and enjoy the journey.
  • Fail Fast: Learn from mistakes, adapt, and keep improving.

Who You Are

The R&D Chef is the culinary architect for the brand, bridging the gap between Michelin-caliber artistry and multi-unit scalability. This role demands a rare hybrid of elite creativity and industrial-grade operational discipline. You will transform abstract inspiration into scalable, profitable, and breathtaking culinary reality, ensuring the brand’s North Star remains elite as it expands.

We are seeking a chef who views operations not as a constraint on creativity, but as the vehicle that allows world-class food to reach thousands of guests daily. You must possess the artistic ego to create something beautiful and the professional humility to ensure it can be executed perfectly by others. 

Culinary Innovation and Michelin-Caliber Excellence

  • Creative R&D: Drive the evolution of the brand through constant experimentation, pushing the boundaries of technique and flavor to maintain a best-in-class reputation.
  • High-End Execution: Ensure every new dish meets the aesthetic and technical rigor of James Beard/Michelin-caliber dining.
  • Menu Engineering: Optimize menus for profitability and guest experience, ensuring innovation is balanced with strict $P&L$ and food cost targets.

Systems and Scalability

  • SOP Architecture: Translate complex, high-end dishes into precise, scalable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for multi-unit consistency.
  • Operational Flow: Identify bottlenecks in production and re-engineer workflows to improve speed without sacrificing artistry.
  • Strategic Sourcing: Vet elite suppliers to secure ingredients that meet the brand’s uncompromising standards for quality, sustainability, and cost.

Leadership and Flagship Oversight

  • Flagship Stewardship: Maintain a strong, hands-on presence at Maple & Ash Chicago to ensure the core brand identity is consistently executed.
  • Global Implementation: Lead the rollout of new concepts across all markets, personally training kitchen leadership to ensure flawless execution.
  • Quality Audits: Conduct rigorous inspections across all locations to enforce food safety, sanitation, and brand integrity.

Collaboration and Performance

  • Direct Partnership: Work closely with Chef Danny Grant and the Culinary Director to align vision with execution.
  • Financial Performance: Drive improvements in food cost and labor efficiency, aligning culinary decisions with organizational financial goals.
  • Cross-Functional Communication: Partner with marketing on launches and maintain clear lines of communication with Executive Chefs across all locations.
 

Who We Are Looking For

The Pedigree

  • Elite Experience: 4+ years of senior culinary leadership. Prior experience in Michelin-starred or James Beard-awarded kitchens is essential.

  • Visionary Thinking: A deep passion for culinary trends, food science, and high-end plate composition.
  • Systems Mindset: The ability to move fluidly between the lab (creativity) and the office (data, costing, and logistics).

The Skills

  • Technical Mastery: Exceptional butchery, saucier, and modern technique skills.
  • Financial Acumen: Advanced knowledge of menu costing, inventory management, and labor optimization.
  • Leadership: Highly organized and disciplined, with the ability to thrive in a high-accountability environment.
  • Mobility: Willingness to travel as needed to support openings and ongoing operations.

Apply