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Temporary Food Research Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Culinary R&D Associate, Robotic Kitchen Product Lab37 Robotics, is a technology company focused on ... Our mission is to revolutionize the food industry by creating innovative robotic solutions that ...

Culinary R&D Associate, Robotic Kitchen Product Lab37 Robotics, is a technology company focused on ... Our mission is to revolutionize the food industry by creating innovative robotic solutions that ...

Under the direction of the Director of Research & Development the R&D Chef will execute daily tasks ... Utah Food Handlers Permit will be needed and we can help with the process if you don't have a UT ...

Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, etc.), Food Science, Pharmaceutical Science or related field * 3-6 years of experience working in product development, R&D, and/or regulatory affairs within the ...

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Temporary Food Research Development information

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How much do temporary food research development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary food research development 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 is the difference between Temporary Food Research Development vs Food Scientist?

AspectTemporary Food Research DevelopmentFood Scientist
CredentialsRelevant degrees in food science, food technology, or related fields; certifications may varyBachelor's or higher in food science, microbiology, or chemistry; certifications like CFSP are common
Work EnvironmentTemporary labs, research facilities, or client sites; project-based settingsResearch labs, manufacturing plants, or academic institutions; often permanent roles
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, research firms, or contract labs; focused on short-term projectsFood manufacturing, R&D departments, academia; broader and ongoing research roles

Temporary Food Research Development professionals focus on short-term, project-based food research tasks, often within specific client projects. Food Scientists typically hold more permanent roles, conducting ongoing research, product development, and quality assurance in various food industry settings. Both roles require food science credentials but differ mainly in duration and scope of work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary food research development professional?

To thrive in Temporary Food Research Development, you need a background in food science, chemistry, or a related field, along with experience in product formulation and testing. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, food safety regulations, and data analysis software like Microsoft Excel or specialized food research tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the safe, innovative, and efficient development of new food products that meet quality standards and consumer needs.

What types of projects and collaborations can I expect in a temporary food research development role?

In a Temporary Food Research Development position, you'll typically work on short-term projects such as developing new recipes, testing ingredient substitutions, or supporting product launches. Collaboration is common with cross-functional teams, including quality assurance, marketing, and production, to ensure that new food products meet both regulatory and consumer expectations. You'll likely participate in sensory evaluations, documentation, and possibly scaling up formulations from bench to pilot plant. This fast-paced environment offers valuable exposure to different stages of product development and provides opportunities to learn from experienced food scientists.

What is a temporary food research development?

A Temporary Food Research Development job involves working on short-term projects to create, test, and improve food products or processes. Employees in these roles often assist with recipe formulation, sensory evaluations, and experiment documentation under the supervision of food scientists. These positions are usually offered for a specific duration, such as to cover peak project periods or leaves of absence. They provide valuable hands-on experience in food science and research environments.
More about Temporary Food Research Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Temporary Food Research Development jobs? Cities with the most Temporary Food Research Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Research Development jobs? The most popular types of Food Research Development jobs are:
What states have the most Temporary Food Research Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Food Research Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Temporary Food Research Development job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,192 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Research & Development Manager

High Liner Foods

Portsmouth, NH • On-site

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Overview:
The Manager Research & Development (Core) leads a team responsible for all product development within the Core R&D portfolio, including front-end innovation, commercialization, product optimization, and technical support across High Liner Foods' product portfolio.
This role provides day-to-day leadership for the R&D team and project portfolio, ensuring resources are effectively prioritized and projects are delivered in alignment with customer needs, business objectives, technical requirements, and commercialization timelines.
Essential Duties and responsibilities
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of R&D professionals while setting priorities, assigning work, and ensuring accountability for project results.
  • Manage the Core R&D project portfolio, prioritizing resources based on business value, customer timelines, technical complexity, risk, and team capacity.
  • Lead front-end innovation and product-development activities, including opportunity identification, ideation, concept development, technical feasibility, and pipeline advancement.
  • Translate customer needs, consumer insights, culinary trends, and business priorities into actionable product, technology, and commercialization plans.
  • Oversee product development and optimization through stage-gate processes, including formulation, benchtop testing, sensory evaluations, customer samples, specifications, shelf-life studies, and validation.
  • Partner with Sales, Marketing, Operations, Engineering, Quality Assurance, Regulatory, Procurement, Supply Chain, suppliers, and customers to deliver successful product launches.
  • Lead product scale-up and commercialization through line testing, first production, launch, and post-commercialization review.
  • Serve as an escalation point for complex product, process, ingredient, manufacturing, quality, sensory, and shelf-life challenges, using scientific and root-cause problem-solving methods.
  • Evaluate ingredient substitutions, supplier changes, formula modifications, process improvements, quality enhancements, yield opportunities, and cost-saving initiatives.
  • Identify and advance new ingredients, technologies, processing methods, equipment, tools, procedures, and best practices that improve product quality, manufacturing performance, R&D efficiency, and speed to market.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Culinary Science, or a related technical discipline required.
  • Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in food R&D, product development, process development, or food manufacturing.
  • Minimum of 2 years of direct people-management experience.
  • Demonstrated experience leading and developing technical professionals.
  • Proven experience developing and commercializing food products from concept through scale-up, first production, and launch.
  • Experience managing multiple product-development projects, plant trials, technical investigations, and cross-functional teams.
  • Experience working within a stage-gate or structured product-development process.
  • Strong technical judgment with the ability to balance customer and consumer expectations with product quality, food safety, cost, yield, manufacturing capability, and business objectives.
  • Seafood, frozen food, value-added protein, coatings, sauces, formed products, or fully cooked product experience is strongly preferred.
  • Culinary training and knowledge of sensory-evaluation methodologies are assets.
  • Strong project-management, problem-solving, decision-making, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and applicable product-development, specification, project-management, and documentation systems.

Current employees please note: this position is referral bonus eligible! See our policy for more details.
What's in it for you?
Join High Liner Foods for a career where you shape your path, backed by great benefits, flexible work, and a culture of diversity, innovation, and sustainability. Immerse yourself in opportunities to make a real impact and grow with us in our mission to nourish lives. Start your adventure where endless possibilities to thrive together await.
  • Competitive Salary
  • Heath, dental & vision coverage
  • Pay for performance incentives
  • Employee & Family assistance programs
  • Wellness Programs
  • Retirement Planning
  • Supplemental Parental Leaves
  • Disability Support
  • Family friendly Flex policies & Summer hours
  • Volunteer hours
  • Learning and mentorship opportunities
  • Safety focused work environment

About High Liner Foods
Founded in 1899 in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, High Liner Foods has grown from a small salt fish company into a leading North American processor and marketer of value-added frozen seafood. Our trusted brands - including High Liner, Fisher Boy, Mirabel, Sea Cuisine, C.Wirthy & Co, Mrs. Paul's, Van de Kamp's, and Icelandic Seafood - are enjoyed by families, restaurants, and institutions across Canada and the United States.
Guided by our purpose of Reimagining Seafood to Nourish Life, we combine over a century of expertise with innovation, consumer insight, and responsible practices to deliver high-quality seafood people can trust.
At High Liner Foods, we are a people-first organization. We invest in our employees through development opportunities, collaborative teamwork, and a culture where safety, well-being, and growth are priorities. Whether in our offices, plants, or distribution teams, our people work together to deliver excellence and drive the future of seafood.
Our Values
Serve with Purpose - We put our customers and consumers at the heart of everything we do, creating quality products that help to nourish lives and foster connections that go beyond the plate.
Do the Right Thing - We lead with integrity, act responsibly, and make choices that support our people, our partners, and our planet. .
Innovate & Reimagine - We challenge the norm, embrace fresh ideas, and turn innovation into impact.
All Hands on Deck - Powered by people and driven by purpose, we lead with courage, hold one another accountable, and celebrate as a team
Ready to make waves with us? Join High Liner Foods and help shape the future of seafood.
To learn more please visit our Career/LinkedIn/Indeed page
#HLSJ
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.