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Research Development Food Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

R&D Food Scientist Manufacturing Plant, Indianapolis, IN, US 3 days ago Requisition ID: 5054 Heartland Food Products Group is a global leader in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, producing ...

R&D Food Scientist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

NURA USA is looking for a Food Scientist. The ideal candidate for this position has 3 years min ... R&D environment. * Your expertise will directly support powder mix, beverage, and other food and ...

NURA USA is looking for a Food Scientist. The ideal candidate for this position has 3 years min ... R&D environment. * Your expertise will directly support powder mix, beverage, and other food and ...

Masters degree in companion animal nutrition, animal sciences, food sciences, chemical engineering, or related field.* Prior pet food R&D experience is highly desirable and preferred.* Knowledge and ...

NURA USA is looking for a Food Scientist. The ideal candidate for this position has 3 years min ... R&D environment. * Your expertise will directly support powder mix, beverage, and other food and ...

NURA USA is looking for a Food Scientist. The ideal candidate for this position has 3 years min ... R&D environment. * Your expertise will directly support powder mix, beverage, and other food and ...

Leads product development projects (innovation, renovation, alternate materials) from concept to commercialization. * Provides leadership to the organization in the areas of food science and R&D.

Direct Hire Compensation : $110,000-$125,000 Shift: 8:30am-5pm (some flexibility) Position Overview We are seeking an experienced R&D Food Scientist to support the development, optimization, and ...

Direct Hire Compensation : $110,000-$125,000 Shift: 8:30am-5pm (some flexibility) Position Overview We are seeking an experienced R&D Food Scientist to support the development, optimization, and ...

Direct Hire Compensation : $110,000-$125,000 Shift: 8:30am-5pm (some flexibility) Position Overview We are seeking an experienced R&D Food Scientist to support the development, optimization, and ...

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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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What cities are hiring for Research Development Food Scientist jobs?

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What states have the most Research Development Food Scientist jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Research Development Food Scientist jobs?

For Research Development Food Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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.

R&D Food Scientist (Bilingual)

Chicago, IL • On-site

$26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Job Title: R&D Food Scientist (Bi-Lingual English & Spanish)
Location: Chicago, IL
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Shift: 1st Shift | Monday–Friday
Compensation: $26.00/hour
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO
Language Requirement: Must be bilingual in English and Spanish
 
Must Have Experience: Research & Development within a food manufacturing environment
 
Job Summary:
Seeking a Bilingual Quality R&D Technician to support new product development, quality initiatives, and documentation management within a food manufacturing environment. This cross-functional role collaborates with Production, Quality, Operations, and suppliers to help launch new products while ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards. Ideal candidates are organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in both lab and manufacturing settings.
 
Job Duties:
  • Assist in new product development projects, supporting items such as snack products, flatbreads, and customer-branded formulations from concept through commercialization
  • Perform bench-top, lab, and pilot plant trials, making formulation adjustments to achieve targeted taste, texture, nutrition, shelf life, and cost objectives
  • Maintain and update technical documentation, including formulations, testing data, SOPs, product specifications, and change documentation
  • Partner with Production, Quality Assurance, Packaging, and Operations teams to ensure successful product scale-up and manufacturability
  • Support food safety, regulatory, and labeling compliance in accordance with company standards and customer requirements
  • Conduct sensory testing, shelf-life analysis, and competitive product evaluations to support product improvements and development initiatives
  • Communicate with ingredient and packaging suppliers regarding specifications, quality concerns, and corrective actions when needed
  • Assist with supplier quality investigations, documentation reviews, and follow-up communication
  • Provide bilingual communication support with vendors and suppliers in both English and Spanish
  • Contribute to supplier qualification efforts, ingredient sourcing, and continuous improvement projects
 
Qualifications:
  • 1–3 years of experience in food product development, R&D, or a similar role within a food manufacturing environment
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Nutrition, or a related discipline
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish (written and verbal)
  • Strong documentation, organization, and attention-to-detail skills
  • Ability to communicate professionally with cross-functional teams and external suppliers
  • Comfortable working in a hands-on, fast-paced manufacturing and R&D environment
 
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.