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Research & Development Scientist Jobs in Michigan

BEL

Senior R&D Scientist

Grawn, MI · On-site

$100K - $127K/yr

On-site work Job Id: 54025 Senior R&D Scientist Bel is part of a mission-driven, family-owned company with 160 years of innovation and social purpose, a presence in 120 countries, and a commitment to ...

Bel

Senior R&D Scientist

Traverse City, MI

$90K - $100K/yr

On-site work Job Id: 54025 Senior R&D Scientist Bel is part of a mission-driven, family-owned company with 160 years of innovation and social purpose, a presence in 120 countries, and a commitment to ...

Koppert

R&D Scientist I

Howell, MI · On-site

Your Role The R&D Scientist merges analytics and systematic investigation with specialized knowledge of the biology and mass production of bumblebees and beneficial insects to help drive successful ...

Amway

Assoc Research Scientist I - Chromatography

Ada, MI · On-site

$57K - $70K/yr

Assoc Research Scientist I - Chromatography Posting Start Date: 5/15/26 Posting Location: Ada ... Quality Control / Research & Development Salary Range: $57,120/yr - $70,560/yr plus Bonus Salary ...

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All JobsResearch & Development Scientist JobsResearch & Development Scientist Jobs in Michigan

Research Development Scientist information

See Michigan salary details

$44K

$113.4K

$151.7K

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

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for research & development scientist in Michigan is $113,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,700.00 and $150,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Research & Development Scientist do?

A Research & Development (R&D) Scientist is responsible for designing, conducting, and analyzing experiments to develop new products or improve existing ones. They work in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, technology, food, and chemicals, to innovate and solve complex problems. Their role involves staying updated on scientific advancements, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and ensuring that new developments meet industry standards and regulations. R&D Scientists play a crucial part in driving technological progress and maintaining a company's competitive edge.

What is the salary of R&D researcher?

The salary of an R&D researcher varies depending on experience, education, and industry, but typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually in many regions. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced researchers with specialized skills or advanced degrees can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and opportunities for professional development.

What is a R&D scientist?

A Research & Development (R&D) scientist is a professional who conducts scientific research to develop new products, improve existing ones, or innovate processes within a company. They typically work in laboratories, utilize scientific methods, and may require knowledge of specific tools or techniques relevant to their field.

What is the difference between Research & Development Scientist vs Quality Control Analyst?

AspectResearch & Development ScientistQuality Control Analyst
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Science or EngineeringBachelor's in Science or related field, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departments, product development teamsLaboratories, quality assurance labs, manufacturing facilities
Employer & IndustryPharmaceutical, biotech, consumer goods, tech companiesManufacturing, pharmaceutical, food & beverage industries
Primary FocusDeveloping new products, improving formulations, innovationEnsuring product quality, testing, compliance, and standards

Research & Development Scientists focus on creating and improving products through experimentation and innovation, while Quality Control Analysts ensure products meet quality standards through testing and inspection. Both roles are essential in product development and manufacturing industries, often working closely but with distinct responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research & Development Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research & Development Scientist, you need a strong background in scientific research, data analysis, and experimental design, usually supported by an advanced degree in a relevant scientific field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical analysis software, and compliance with regulatory standards (such as GLP or GMP) is often required. Critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication are vital soft skills for generating innovative solutions and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are essential for driving scientific advancements and successfully bringing new products or processes to market.

What does a research and development scientist do?

A research and development scientist conducts experiments and studies to develop new products, improve existing ones, or discover innovative solutions. They analyze data, use laboratory equipment, and collaborate with teams to translate scientific findings into practical applications, often requiring strong analytical skills and knowledge of scientific methods.

How much do R&D scientists make in the US?

Research and Development (R&D) scientists in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, education, and industry. Salaries can vary widely based on specialization, location, and the level of expertise required for the role.

What are some common challenges faced by Research & Development Scientists during the product development process?

Research & Development Scientists often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative ideas with practical constraints like budget, time, and regulatory requirements. They may need to troubleshoot unexpected technical issues or adapt to changing project goals. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as engineering, marketing, and quality assurance, is crucial to ensure the feasibility and market readiness of new products. Effective communication and adaptability are key to navigating these challenges and achieving successful outcomes.
What are popular job titles related to Research & Development Scientist jobs in Michigan? For Research & Development Scientist jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research & Development Scientist jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Research & Development Scientist jobs in Michigan are:
Research Development Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research & Development Scientist job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 79% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,409 per year, or $54.5 per hour.

Senior R&D Scientist

BEL

Grawn, MI • On-site

$100K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

7/24/26
Country: United States
Job Location: Traverse City
Job Family: Research / Development / Innovation
Type of contract: Unlimited-term
Working mode: On-site work
Job Id: 54025
Senior R&D Scientist
Bel is part of a mission-driven, family-owned company with 160 years of innovation and social purpose, a presence in 120 countries, and a commitment to repositioning the role of snacking to help support a balanced diet. With beloved brands like Babybel®, GoGo squeeZ®, The Laughing Cow®, and Boursin®, Bel U.S. creates delicious fruit, veggie, and dairy portion-sized snacks that bring nourishment, joy, and convenience to everyday life.
Guided by the values of care, dare, and commit, Bel is committed to the Fight for Better Snacking-delivering accessible, portion-sized options while advancing sustainable innovation, healthier snacking, regenerative agriculture, circular economy, and community support. Bel's mission gives the company a powerful platform to show up credibly at industry moments that shape conversations, partnerships, and the future of food.
The company has headquarters in Chicago and New York City and operates 4 manufacturing plants in Little Chute, WI; Brookings, SD; Traverse City, MI; and Nampa, ID. #IWorkForAllForGood
Job Description Summary
The Senior R&D Scientist leads the development, validation, and commercialization of new food products, recipes, processes, and product improvements for Bel's GoGo SqueeZ fruit-based snacking portfolio. This role manages complex local R&D projects with limited direction, partners cross-functionally with internal teams and external suppliers, and applies advanced food science expertise to deliver solutions that meet consumer expectations, business needs, food safety, quality, cost, and manufacturing requirements. The position also supports continuous improvement, technical documentation, launch readiness, and team capability by serving as a strong technical role model and sharing expertise across projects. This is an on-site role based in Traverse City, MI.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Product and Process Development (35%)
  • Lead development, validation, and commercialization of new food products, recipes, processes, and technologies from concept through launch.
  • Translate marketing briefs, consumer needs, technical requirements, and business priorities into development plans, prototypes, timelines, and launch-ready solutions.
  • Develop recipes and process parameters at bench, pilot, and industrial scale while ensuring alignment with food safety, quality, regulatory, cost, and operational requirements.
  • Conduct pilot and industrial trials, write protocols, document results, evaluate product performance, and recommend next steps based on data and risk assessment.
  • Evaluate physical, sensory, organoleptic, chemical, and shelf-life performance to confirm products meet expected functionality and consumer expectations.

Project Leadership and Cross-Functional Execution (25%)
  • Manage complex local R&D projects with limited direction by defining scope, milestones, communication needs, risks, and delivery expectations.
  • Partner with Marketing, Quality, Regulatory, Purchasing, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, and Packaging Engineering teams to develop and launch commercially viable products.
  • Identify and advance development plans and continuous improvement opportunities that support product quality, process reliability, cost optimization, and operational efficiency.
  • Anticipate technical and execution risks, recommend practical contingencies, and influence project-level decisions using technical judgment and business awareness.

Technical Expertise and Continuous Improvement (20%)
  • Apply advanced knowledge of fruit-based products, ingredients, formulation, processing, and manufacturing systems to resolve complex technical challenges independently.
  • Evaluate, develop, and implement new food technologies, ingredients, processing methods, and equipment approaches with limited guidance.
  • Maintain and expand ingredient, supplier, process, and competitive product knowledge through technical literature, supplier engagement, benchmarking, trade shows, and industry learning.
  • Support optimization of existing products and processes, including quality improvement, cost reduction, production troubleshooting, and customer complaint resolution.

Documentation, Compliance, and Launch Support (15%)
  • Create and maintain trial reports, product specifications, process documentation, ingredient documentation, nutritional inputs, label inputs, and launch records.
  • Ensure development work complies with applicable regulations, food safety principles, internal procedures, confidentiality expectations, and project schedules.
  • Support raw material and supplier qualification through conformity testing, technical reviews, documentation, and supplier collaboration.
  • Support scale-up, first production runs, operator training, and troubleshooting in partnership with operations and efficiency teams.

Team Contribution and Technical Role Modeling (5%)
  • Serve as a positive technical role model by demonstrating accountability, curiosity, sound judgment, and a continuous improvement mindset.
  • Share technical knowledge through tastings, product evaluations, training sessions, process demonstrations, and documentation reviews, as appropriate.
  • Contribute to a collaborative R&D culture by modeling professionalism, constructive problem solving, continuous learning, and cross-functional partnership.

Skills and Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in food science, food technology, food chemistry, nutrition, or a related scientific field required; advanced degree preferred.
  • Minimum of five years of relevant experience in R&D, product development, formulation, process development, packaging development, or the food industry.
  • Experience with fruit-based products, pouch products, aseptic or thermal processing, manufacturing scale-up, or consumer packaged goods preferred.
  • Strong project management skills, including the ability to plan and execute complex technical projects, manage priorities, identify risks, and drive timely decisions with limited direction.
  • Advanced technical problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to apply data, technical expertise, business context, and risk assessment to recommend practical solutions.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document technical work, influence cross-functional stakeholders, and collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners.
  • Demonstrated learning agility and curiosity, with the ability to quickly understand and apply new concepts, technologies, ingredients, processes, and competitive product knowledge.
  • Continuous improvement mindset, including the ability to support improvements in products, processes, documentation, cost, quality, production troubleshooting, and ways of working.

Internal and External Partnerships
  • Internal: Marketing, Quality, Regulatory, Purchasing, Supply Chain, Operations, Planning, Finance/Controlling, Packaging Engineering, Methods, and Manufacturing teams.
  • External: Raw material suppliers, ingredient suppliers, equipment suppliers, co-manufacturers, analysis laboratories, and technical service providers.

Working Conditions
Work is performed largely in an office, laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing environment. Hours of work generally occur during regular business hours and require at least 40 hours per week. Work hours may vary at times due to special projects, plant trials, production support, deadlines, or other business needs. Up to 10% business travel may be required. The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
TOTAL REWARDS:
  • Base Salary: $90,000 - $100,000
  • Bonus Opportunity: 10%
  • 4% match on 401k
  • PTO, Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage from Day One

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