Chef, Food Program

University of Utah; Campus (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Utah in Salt Lake City seeks a skilled Chef to join the Metabolic Kitchen, supporting nutrition science research. You will oversee meal production, procurement, and distribution, ensuring quality and safety.

Candidates with five years of chef experience in a large-volume operation are preferred. The role involves data entry, menu development, and collaboration with a Registered Dietitian to align meals with study protocols.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in food service, hotel/restaurant management or related field, or equivalency; five years of chef experience with supervisory duties in large-volume operation.
• Current food service worker permit; demonstrated communication and computer literacy skills.
• Applicants must demonstrate ability to perform essential job functions as outlined.

Responsibilities

• Production: prepare and cook meals meeting nutrition and quality standards.
• Procurement: assist in sourcing and purchasing ingredients as advised by culinary operations manager.
• Distribution: deliver meals to research participants per visit dates and study protocols.
• Data Entry: record data related to procurement, inventory, and meal production.
• Menu Development: collaborate to create nutritionally appropriate menus and recipes.

Skills

Communication skills

Data entry

Computer literacy

Education

Associate’s degree in food service or related field

Tools

Nutritional analysis software

Job description

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

The University of Utah Metabolic Kitchen is seeking a skilled and passionate Chef to join its dynamic team. The Metabolic Kitchen is dedicated to supporting researchers in nutrition science, disease management, and related fields by providing precision nutrition through expert culinary services and resources. As a Chef in the Metabolic Kitchen, you will play a crucial role in meal production, procurement, and distribution, ensuring the highest standards of food quality and safety.
Candidates with less than 5 years of experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Production: Participate in the preparation and cooking of meals in the professional kitchen, ensuring all dishes meet specified nutrition and quality standards.
Procurement: Participate in the sourcing and purchasing of ingredients, as advised by the culinary operations manager.
Distribution: Assist in the delivery of meals to research study participants, ensuring timely and accurate service according to visit dates and study protocols.
Secondary Responsibilities:
Data Entry: Accurately input data related to food procurement, inventory management, and meal production for record-keeping and analysis purposes.
Menu Development: Collaborate with registered dietitian and culinary operations manager to create customized menus and recipes that align with the nutritional needs of research study participants.
Recipe Testing: Conduct testing of new recipes to ensure taste, nutritional adequacy, and adherence to established protocols.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate’s degree in food service, hotel/restaurant management or a related field, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); five years of chef experience with two of these years in a progressively more responsible supervisory position in a large volume food service operation required. Current food service worker permit, and demonstrated human relation, effective communication, and computer literacy skills also required.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience in a commercial kitchen setting.
• Expertise in food safety regulations and best practices for food preparation, handling, and distribution.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with a team.
• Experience working with dietary analysis software or similar tools.
• Knowledge of nutrition principles and dietary needs related to health and disease management.
• Background in clinical nutrition or experience collaborating with healthcare professionals in a research context.

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”).

Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work).

Contact Human Resources at [phone] for information.

Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions.

Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at [phone] or [phone] or University Human Resource Management at [phone] if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law.

Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status.

The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106.

The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment.

Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ).

More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

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They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah.

A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

University Human Resource Management

250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Contact us: [phone] By Email: [e-mail]