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Research Development Food Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Mills

$31.73/hr

Internship - Research & Development Food Scientist General Mills makes food the world loves. The company is guided by its Accelerate strategy to boldly build its brands, relentlessly innovate ...

Home Market Foods

Sr. R&D Food Scientist

Norwood, MA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

The Senior Research & Development Food Scientist serves as a driving force behind Home Market Foods' product development initiatives. This role spans hands-on product formulation and testing, as well ...

AppleOne

R&D Food Scientist

Madelia, MN · On-site

$70K/yr

A growing food production company is seeking an R&D Food Scientist to join its research and development team in Madelia, MN. This direct hire opportunity is ideal for a food science professional or ...

System One

R&D Food Scientist

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Job Title: R&D Food Scientist Location : Paterson, NJ, Onsite Job Type: Direct Hire Compensation : $110,000-$125,000 Shift: 8:30am-5pm (some flexibility) Position Overview We are seeking an ...

System One

R&D Food Scientist

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Job Title: R&D Food Scientist Location : Paterson, NJ, Onsite Job Type: Direct Hire Compensation : $110,000-$125,000 Shift: 8:30am-5pm (some flexibility) Position Overview We are seeking an ...

System One

R&D Food Scientist

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Job Title: R&D Food Scientist Location : Paterson, NJ, Onsite Job Type: Direct Hire Compensation : $110,000-$125,000 Shift: 8:30am-5pm (some flexibility) Position Overview We are seeking an ...

System One

R&D Food Scientist

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Job Title: R&D Food Scientist Location : Paterson, NJ, Onsite Job Type: Direct Hire Compensation : $110,000-$125,000 Shift: 8:30am-5pm (some flexibility) Position Overview We are seeking an ...

System One

R&D Food Scientist

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Job Title: R&D Food Scientist Location : Paterson, NJ, Onsite Job Type: Direct Hire Compensation : $110,000-$125,000 Shift: 8:30am-5pm (some flexibility) Position Overview We are seeking an ...

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Research Development Food Scientist information

See salary details

$50.5K

$130.1K

$174K

How much do research development food scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development food scientist in the United States is $130,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a research development food scientist do?

A Research Development Food Scientist is responsible for creating and improving food products and processes. They conduct experiments, analyze ingredients, and develop new recipes or formulations to enhance taste, nutrition, and shelf-life. These professionals often work closely with quality assurance, marketing, and production teams to ensure new products meet safety standards and consumer needs. Their role also includes staying updated on food trends, regulations, and technological advancements to drive innovation in the food industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research development food scientist?

To thrive as a Research Development Food Scientist, you need a strong background in food science, chemistry, and product formulation, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical testing methods, and food safety regulations, as well as certifications like HACCP, are commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for innovating and refining food products. These capabilities ensure the successful development of safe, appealing, and market-ready food items that meet regulatory and consumer demands.

What are some common challenges faced by research development food scientists when working on new product formulations?

Research Development Food Scientists often encounter challenges such as balancing consumer preferences with technical and regulatory requirements during new product development. Creating innovative formulations may involve overcoming issues related to ingredient functionality, shelf-life stability, and sensory attributes. Additionally, collaborating with cross-functional teams—such as marketing, quality assurance, and production—requires effective communication to ensure that prototypes can be scaled up successfully while meeting cost and safety standards.

What is the difference between Research Development Food Scientist vs Food Technologist?

AspectResearch Development Food ScientistFood Technologist
CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Food Science or related field; certifications varyBachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D facilities, product development settingsManufacturing plants, quality control labs, production lines
Industry UsageDevelops new products, improves existing recipes, conducts researchEnsures product quality, implements production processes, quality assurance

Research Development Food Scientists focus on creating and improving food products through research and experimentation, often working in labs. Food Technologists typically oversee production processes and quality control in manufacturing settings. Both roles require food science knowledge but differ in their primary responsibilities and work environments.

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Cities with the most Research Development Food Scientist job openings:

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Research Development Food Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development Food Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,117 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Research & Development Food Scientist

Monroe, WI • On-site

Colony Brands, Inc.
1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Colony Brands, Inc.external

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 hours ago

Colony Brands rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


Colony Brands, Inc. is one of the world's largest and most successful direct marketing catalog and e-commerce companies. Our company has grown from a premier mail-order cheese company to include a diverse portfolio of affiliates, brands and products ranging from apparel to kitchen appliances, while maintaining our roots as a private, customer-centric business.
As a Research and Development Scientist, you'll join in brainstorming exercises for innovation and newness to refresh products &/or improve product lines and ultimately be responsible for developing new products within the manufacturing areas of the Food Division.
What You'll Do:
This role will be responsible for bakery and cheese spread product development including, but not limited to: pastries/baked goods, confections/candy, pies/cheesecakes, sweet breads, fudge, toffee, cakes and butter cremes, cookies, fruitcake, and a variety of highly decorated applications. This position will actively participate in formulations, recipe changes/improvements, commercialization, line trials, experimental design, ingredient/inventory evaluations, and sensory/organoleptic testing.
You'll also be responsible for:
• Using creativity and scientific methods in developing recipes
• Aiding the pricing team to determine NPD labor costs
• Confirming the plant has the appropriate equipment and capability to make designed items
• Ensuring all products are developed using food safety principles and regulatory requirements
• Commercializing products into the plant to ensure flawless execution of new items
• Completing formal quoting and costs analyses
• Monitoring deadlines and ensuring they are being met with process flow through PLEX
Qualifications
What It Takes:
We need a self-motivated individual who can work independently while following appropriate procedures with a high attention to detail. In addition, we're seeking a team member that is collaborative and a problem solver to ensure we are delivering great products to our customers.
It also takes:
• A bachelor's degree in Food Science or related area
• 3+ years' experience with product development cycle, research methods, analytical equipment and experimental design
• Exceptional teamwork and diplomacy skills
• Experimental design using scientific methodology
• Strong organizational skills
About Us
Welcome to Colony Brands! As one of North America's largest multi-channel, direct-marketing companies, we take pride in our diverse portfolio of affiliates, brands, and products. Despite our growth over the last century, we remain true to our roots as a private, customer-focused business based in Monroe, WI. Stability is just one aspect of our culture. What truly defines us is our commitment to our Core Values, fostering employee growth, and creating a better place to live and work. We are dedicated to supporting the communities we serve and offer a wide range of benefits and programs to enhance the well-being of our employees.
Benefits Details
Colony Brands is not just about growing our profits - We are about giving our employees the opportunity for growth and providing a better place to live and work. We also offer our employees many great rewards in addition to monetary compensation:
  • Medical/Dental/Vision insurance
  • A robust Wellness Program including Onsite Healthcare
  • Superb Retirement Plans (401K & a company-funded Pension Plan)
  • Extensive Paid Time Off (PTO) benefits
  • Seven 4-day work weeks in the summer months to give our employees additional time off
  • Educational Assistance
  • Company Profit-Sharing
  • Company Product Discounts
  • And, so MANY more!

    • What Colony Brands employees say

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