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Research Development Nutritionist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director, Research & Development

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$200 - $250/hr

Lead the Research & Development Team including Innovation & Product Development, Base Product & Process Development, Packaging Development, and Nutrition & Regulatory Affairs workstreams. Partner ...

$200 - $250/hr

Lead the Research & Development Team including Innovation & Product Development, Base Product & Process Development, Packaging Development, and Nutrition & Regulatory Affairs workstreams. Partner ...

Nutrition Label Development & Compliance Develop accurate, FDA-compliant Nutrition Facts labels for all PDJ products, including current menu items and any new products introduced through Research ...

Nutrition Label Development & Compliance Develop accurate, FDA-compliant Nutrition Facts labels for all PDJ products, including current menu items and any new products introduced through Research ...

Research & Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

... nutritional accuracy. Team Collaboration & Development * Contribute to a collaborative, curious ... the R&D team while supporting the development of junior team members and technicians. What You ...

NJ ยท On-site

$16 - $21.25/hr

As part of a fantastic team of scientists, engineers, and nutritionists, you'll work tirelessly on ... R&D is where you'll turn great ideas into brilliant brands. An internship within the R&D ...

$16 - $21.25/hr

As part of a fantastic team of scientists, engineers, and nutritionists, you'll work tirelessly on ... R&D is where you'll turn great ideas into brilliant brands. An internship within the R&D ...

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Research Development Nutritionist information

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How much do research development nutritionist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for research development nutritionist in the United States is $26.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a research development nutritionist do?

A Research Development Nutritionist specializes in creating, testing, and improving nutritional products or dietary programs based on scientific research. They often work with food manufacturers, healthcare providers, or research institutions to develop new food items, supplements, or nutritional guidelines. Their role includes conducting experiments, analyzing data, and ensuring that products meet regulatory and health standards. They also collaborate with other scientists and professionals to stay updated on the latest nutrition science and trends.

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

To thrive as a Research Development Nutritionist, you typically need a strong background in nutrition science, research methodologies, and a relevant degree such as a BSc or MSc in Nutrition or Dietetics. Familiarity with laboratory analysis, statistical software (e.g., SPSS or SAS), and food formulation systems is often required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective collaboration enable success in both research and cross-functional project teams. These skills are essential to ensure scientific rigor, innovation, and successful product development in the nutrition sector.

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

Research Development Nutritionists often encounter challenges balancing nutritional value with taste, texture, and shelf-life requirements during product formulation. They must also navigate regulatory guidelines and ensure all ingredients comply with food safety standards. Collaborating closely with food scientists, marketing teams, and suppliers is essential to address these challenges and create innovative yet practical products. Effective communication and adaptability are key to overcoming obstacles in this dynamic environment.

What cities are hiring for Research Development Nutritionist jobs?

Cities with the most Research Development Nutritionist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Research Development Nutritionist jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Research Development Nutritionist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,192 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Director, Research & Development

Reston, VA โ€ข On-site

StarKist Co.
5 - 10K employees

$200 - $250/hr

Other

Posted 29 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead the Research & Development team and partner with plants on R&D initiatives.

  • Develop new products, formulas, and packaging to meet timeline, quality, and cost goals.

  • Oversee the optimization of base products and processes, including reformulation and process improvements.


Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Director, Research & Development

Regular Full-Time Reston, VA, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1310

This position is located in Reston, VA
This position is not remote work
US Citizenship or Green Card Holder - no sponsorship available

PURPOSE -

  • Lead the Research & Development Team including Innovation & Product Development, Base Product & Process Development, Packaging Development, and Nutrition & Regulatory Affairs workstreams. Partner with the plants on R&D initiatives.
  • Act as the liaison between the non-technical areas as well as the technical areas todevelop andexecute new and base products and process strategies to grow the overall business and enable cost savings.
  • Responsible for the communication of new and base business activities and strategies with non-technical areas such as Marketing & Innovation,Trade Marketing, Market Research, Finance,andSales. Also provide the technical communication to the technical areas such as QA, Operations, Packaging, and specific factory or co-manufacturing locations.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES โ€“

  • Develop New Products & Innovation : Develop New Products or Next-Generation Innovation including the development of new product formulas and packaging (internally through R&D associates or externally working through consultants or suppliers) to deliver within agreed timeline, quality, and cost parameters. Work with internal or co-manufacturing locations on start-up and commercialization.
  • Optimize Base Business Products & Process : Reformulate or restage base products or refine processes within agreed timeline, quality and cost parameters. Work directly with manufacturing locations for process improvements.
  • Maintain and Optimize R&D Support Systems & Technical Services : Provide Technical Services and R&D Systems to optimize product development work stream and timelines, process systems, formula systems, ingredient specifications, nutritional labeling and ingredient statements that meet all departments expectations and deliver projects on time.
  • P ro v idePackaging Engineering and Nutrition & Regulatory Services : Deliver Packaging and Nutrition & Regulatory Services to support Base Business & Innovation initiatives to maintain and grow the StarKist business.
  • Co-Pack Management & Support: Oversee internal co-packing partnerships and third-party manufacturing relationships, ensuring product formulations, quality standards, and process specifications are consistently executed at co-packer facilities.
  • Support plants with Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain teams, ensuring R&D specifications are accurately translated and maintained across all plants including contract manufacturing sites.
  • Lead technical oversight of plant and co-packing relationships, including formulation transfer, scale-up trials, and troubleshooting to ensure new product development translates successfully from pilot to commercial production.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/COMPETENCIES -

  • 20+ years of overall professional experience in various product and process development technologies and management, strong understanding of processing equipment and low acid thermal and retort processing. Strong understanding of federal regulations and nutritional labeling. Experience with new packaging development.
  • 5-10 yearsof management experience leading a R&D/technical teamin a position of similar complexity, scope, size and international impact.
  • Experience in CPG/Food required.
  • BS or MS and wide range of product and process development experience.
  • Must be able to travel by plane - approximate travel 30%. (includes international, passport required)
  • Must be capable of travel for extended periods (extended: 5-15 days)

The approximate pay range for this position is $190,000 to $250,000. This range is provided as a good faith estimate at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location.

StarKist Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religious creed, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, medical condition, disability, military service, pregnancy and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state and local laws and ordinances. EOE/AA/Vet/Disability

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