Chef, Food Program

Details This; Campus (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Utah Metabolic Kitchen is seeking a skilled Chef to support researchers by delivering nutrition-focused meal production, procurement, and distribution in a professional kitchen. Eligible candidates have five years of chef experience, supervisory duties, and a current food service worker permit.

Responsibilities include menu development with a dietitian, data entry, and ensuring meals meet safety standards.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent; five years of chef experience with supervisory duties.
• Current food service worker permit required.
• Strong communication and computer literacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Production: prepare meals meeting nutrition and quality standards.
• Procurement: source ingredients under supervision.
• Distribution: deliver meals per visit dates and study protocols.
• Data entry: input procurement, inventory, and production data.
• Menu development: collaborate with dietitian to design recipes for participants.
• Recipe testing: evaluate new recipes for taste and nutrition.

Skills

Food safety

Team leadership

Communication

Computer literacy

Education

Associate’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Dietary 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

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. 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.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a current food service worker's permit?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have at least five years of chef experience with two of these years in a progressively more responsible supervisory position in a large volume food service operation?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have an 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)?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

• Resume

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter
• Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Description for More Information – Appropriate discharge document (such as DD-2214) – Veteran Only
• Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Document Description for More Information – Addendum to the University of Utah – Veteran Only

University Human Resource Management

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

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