ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Research Development Food Scientist Jobs in Decatur, IL

ADM

Protein Research Manager - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL · On-site

$92K - $171K/yr

D. in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field5+ years of experience in plant protein research Technical ExpertiseStrong expertise in ingredient development, from bench scale through pilot ...

ADM

Scientist I Milling - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL

Our Milling Science & Grain Quality focused research group is looking for an experienced scientist ... Cereal science, protein chemistry, starch chemistry and food applications experience is desirable.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsResearch Development Food Scientist JobsResearch Development Food Scientist Jobs in Decatur, IL

Research Development Food Scientist information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$49K

$126.2K

$168.8K

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

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development food scientist in Decatur, IL is $126,209.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,300.00 and $167,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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, and why are they important?

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Research Development Food Scientist jobs in Decatur, IL? For Research Development Food Scientist jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Research Development Food Scientist jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Research Development Food Scientist job openings:
Research Development Food Scientist jobs near you
Food Scientist - Bakery - Decatur, IL area

Food Scientist - Bakery - Decatur, IL area

Archer Daniels Midland

Decatur, IL • On-site

$104K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Food Scientist - Bakery - Decatur, IL
The Food Scientist - Bakery will utilize their food science expertise to drive sales through the development of compelling, innovative and winning products. This position will work closely and cross-functionally with R&D, Technical Services, Technical Sales, and Sales & Marketing teams. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, agile and team oriented.
KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:
  • Provide technical leadership and strong project management for internal and external customer projects
  • Lead development of Bakery food products, including bakery mixes, and various flour based bakery and snack items
  • Provides thought leadership and technical expertise for innovation initiatives
  • Will consult with and participate in Flour and Baking industry based research projects
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Development and optimization of food product formulations
  • Responsible for designing and running test formulations
  • Identification and development of cost improvement opportunities
  • Supports manufacturing scale-up from bench to pilot plant and pilot plant to commercialization including partnering with R&D where appropriate
  • Project management - lead multiple product development and applications projects with expedited timelines, leads complex and cross-functional projects
  • Develops and maintains technical-to-technical relationships with customers
  • Conducts internal and external product demonstrations
  • Accompanies Account Managers on sales calls to serve as technical contact
  • Communicates effectively in both verbal and written forms, including presentation of products and technical information to peers, leadership and customers
  • Maintains awareness of industry trends and new ingredient innovations and offerings
  • May have direct report responsibility
  • Follows basic GMP, GLP and ISO procedures
  • Ability to travel up to 25% of time
CORE COMPENTENCIES:
  • Sense of urgency, acceptance of change, communication, technical knowledge, quality minded, collaboration, flexibility, teamwork, problem solving, dependability, curiosity, integrity and a commitment to safety.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
  • BS or higher (Food Science or related)
  • 3 to 5 years product development and applications experience
  • Industrial and/or retail bakery experience is valued
  • Hands on Baked goods category experience expected, (Bread, Buns, Snacks, Flatbreads, Ready Meals, Sweet Goods)
  • Knowledge of food industry, food ingredients, manufacturing processes and food regulations
  • Food product commercialization experience preferred
Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.
REF:108534BR
About ADM
At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We're a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world's premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.
#IncludingYou
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM's efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments - environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.
We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law
Benefits and Perks
Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being, including:
  • Physical wellness - medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
  • Financial wellness - flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers' compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
  • Mental and social wellness - Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).
Additional benefits include:
  • Paid time off including paid holidays.
  • Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
  • Tuition assistance.
  • Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.
*Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter.
Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.
If hired, employees will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
The pay range for this position is expected to be between:

Apply