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Research Development Food Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Related degree with minimum of 8 years relevant Research and Development work experience. No degree ... Requirements for Senior Food Scientist I: Education & Experience: BS MS or PhD in Food Science Meat ...

Food Scientist

Omaha, NE · On-site

$80K/yr

As a Food Scientist, reporting to the R&D Manager, you are an essential contributor to product development for our plant-based proteins products. You will bring a food forward focused mindset to ...

The Food Scientist is responsible for managing research and development projects involving new product and process development, production trials, least-cost formulation, product/process improvement ...

Food Scientist

Chandler, MN · On-site

$63K - $67K/yr

The Research and Development Food Scientist is expected to serve as a technical services consultant, developing and supporting the commercialization of new products from the conception stage through ...

The Research and Development Food Scientist is expected to serve as a technical services consultant, developing and supporting the commercialization of new products from the conception stage through ...

The Food Scientist is responsible for managing research and development projects involving new product and process development, production trials, least-cost formulation, product/process improvement ...

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 ...

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 ...

Food Scientist We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking food scientist who can bring their ... Conduct research and development (R&D) for new product formulations, line extensions, and process ...

The National Food Lab's best-in-class consumer and sensory research capabilities employ a variety ... product development cycle and can work independently to develop a new product from conception ...

Food Scientist We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking food scientist who can bring their ... Conduct research and development (R&D) for new product formulations, line extensions, and process ...

Food Scientist We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking food scientist who can bring their ... Conduct research and development (R&D) for new product formulations, line extensions, and process ...

This role reports to the R&D NA Snacking Innovation Director, working within the North American ... Sc. in Food Science or related field Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational skills ...

Food Scientist

Parsippany, NJ · On-site

$81K - $136K/yr

Develop strategies to evaluate current products and research new technology to develop superior ... Support new product development. * Work with plant personnel on all manufacturing scale-up/trial ...

Food Scientist

Appleton, WI · On-site

$69K - $93K/yr

Food Scientist Position Type: Regular - Full-Time Requisition ID: 42750 In every role, McCainers ... This role reports to the R&D NA Snacking Innovation Director, working within the North American ...

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Research Development Food Scientist information

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$50.5K

$130.1K

$174K

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

As of Jul 15, 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 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.

How to get into R&D food?

To become a research development food scientist, typically a bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in food formulation and laboratory techniques, and obtaining certifications can improve job prospects in R&D food roles.

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 does a research and development food scientist do?

A research and development food scientist develops and improves food products by conducting experiments, analyzing ingredients, and testing formulations. They often work in laboratories or production facilities, utilizing scientific methods and tools to ensure product quality, safety, and innovation.

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 highest salary for a food scientist?

The highest salaries for food scientists can exceed $100,000 annually, especially for those with advanced degrees, extensive experience, or leadership roles in research and development. Senior food scientists working in large companies or specialized areas may earn higher compensation, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits.

Is R&D stressful as a career?

Research and Development Food Scientists often face stress related to tight project deadlines, product innovation demands, and regulatory compliance. The role requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks, which can contribute to work-related stress levels.

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.

More about Research Development Food Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Research Development Food Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Research Development Food Scientist job openings:
What states have the most Research Development Food Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Development Food Scientist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Research Development Food Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Research Development Food Scientist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Research Development Food Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,117 per year, or $62.6 per hour.
Food Scientist

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Tyson Foods rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 536 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

269th of 396 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Details:

Applying to this requisition will put you into considering for Food Scientist I, Food Scientist II, Senior Foods Scientist I, or Senior Food Scientist II - Level will be determined through the interview process.

SUMMARY: This position is responsible for developing and commercializing new and improved products and/or processes through guidance from their manager. This covers all stages of product development and process development including writing new product specifications, and ensuring regulatory labeling and food safety requirements are met.Additional responsibilities include developing samples/prototypes of new products, modifying existing products, optimizing existing products, developing specifications for product production labeling, and compiling cost analysis information. The person in this position will have a strong working knowledge of the scientific methods and is expected to leverage knowledge related to ingredients, product formulation and food processing to support best in class development of new, innovative food products.In addition, the person in this role will lead and execute cook validations for products in support of commercialization workstreams. This will include planning, conducting, documenting, and communicating cook validation studies across products, production lines, and fryer platforms to verify food safety, enable optimized cooking procedures, and support consistent restaurant quality.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Working with and strongly influencing marketing, insights, sales, culinary, FSQA, operations and purchasing departments, coordinating with suppliers of ingredients, ensuring smooth startup for new product production processes

  • Modifying or optimizing existing products, developing specifications for product production labeling, and compiling cost analysis information.

  • Work multiple development and optimization projects of moderate complexity, independently, from concept through commercialization with guidance from manager. This includes planning, executing experiments, analyzing data, reporting results.

  • Execute the development process with activities that include bench top development, pilot plant testing, and scaleup production at a federally inspected research facility and final commercialization at full scale production facility

  • Strong working knowledge of the following is a plus: poultry new product development and optimization including battered and breaded products as well as water jet portioning technologies.

  • Help team to identify innovation that is treated as IP that can give Tyson a competitive edge in the industry

  • Analyze data to build product specifications that are process capable

  • Present technical data or concepts to laypersons on their level of understanding

  • Compile cost analysis information and provide to product management

  • Ensure costing structure meets the financial expectations of projects

  • Work on cross functional teams across the organization for project completion that will ultimately help achieve our growth and EBIT strategies

  • Travel to plant production facilities

  • Take on and complete special projects as needed.

  • Develop culinary samples/prototypes of new products, modifying existing products, optimizing existing products, developing specifications

  • Develop product production labels and compile cost analysis information

  • Strong working knowledge of the scientific methods and is expected to leverage knowledge related to ingredients, product formulation and food processing to support best in class development of new, innovative food products

  • Work with and influence cross functional team members (marketing, insights, sales, culinary, FSQA, operations and purchasing departments, coordinating with suppliers of ingredients) while ensuring smooth start-up for new product production processes

  • Work with process development to develop process flow charts for engineering

  • Ability and Initiative to grow within the organization and develop a personal development plan with your manager

Requirements for Senior Food Scientist II:

Education & Experience:

BS MS or PhD in Food Science Meat Science Food Engineering or related field. Related degree with minimum of 8 years relevant Research and Development work experience. No degree with minimum of 15 years relevant experience.

Requirements for Senior Food Scientist I:

Education & Experience:

BS MS or PhD in Food Science Meat Science Food Engineering or related field. PhD with minimum of 2 years of relevant experience M.S. with minimum of 3 years of relevant experience B.S. with minimum of 5 years of relevant experience No degree with minimum of 10 years relevant experience

Requirements for Food Scientist II:

Education & Education:

BS MS or PhD in Food Science Meat Science Food Engineering or related field. Alt. Protein science or equivalent Experience: PhD with no experience. M.S. with minimum of 2 years of relevant experience B.S. with minimum of 3 years of relevant experience. No degree with minimum of 8 years relevant experience.

Requirements for Food Scientist I:

Education & Experience:

BS MS or PhD in Food Science Meat Science Food Engineering or related field. PhD or M.S with no experience. B.S. with minimum of 2 years of relevant experience. No degree with minimum of 8 years relevant experience.

Other:

Computer Skills: Requires good computer skills with ability to fully utilize MS Office products and Tyson systems (or like systems).

Communication Skills: Good verbal and written communication skills required, presentation skills required, must have the ability to effectively communicate with cross functional business partners

Special Skills: Strong critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills, strong project management skills. Strong numerical skills, understanding of product formulation, food processing and the Research and Development process, understanding of regulatory labeling and food safety requirements

Supervisory: May supervise a team of hourly technicians that support a team of scientists.

Travel: Minimum 25% (12+ trips a year)

  • Travel will be required to accomplish our internal and external customer needs

  • This includes customer meetings, visiting production facilities for testing and commercialization of new products, process trouble shooting and any other regular business needs.

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Yes

Work Shift:

1ST SHIFT (United States of America)

Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.

Hourly Applicants ONLY -You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment.


The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.


Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.


We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.


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Unsolicited Assistance: Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.


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