Research Chef/Food Technologist

Rutgers University; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Rutgers University’s Food Innovation Center in Bridgeton, NJ seeks a Research Chef/Food Technologist for hands-on culinary research and formula development. The role covers market reviews, bench-top prototyping, and producing small-batch samples for evaluation.

The position requires a Bachelor's in food or culinary science and strong project management, multitasking, and problem-solving skills; on-site work 19.5 hours weekly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in food or culinary science from an accredited institution
• Excellent project management skills
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Strong problem-solving ability
• Maintain a professional demeanor

Responsibilities

• Works on the culinary and technical aspects of research projects at the Food Innovation Center.
• Conducts competitive reviews of current market food products and develops bench top prototypes.
• Develops formulas and specifications for ingredients, in-process, and final formulas.
• Responsible for the careful production of small batch market samples.
• Maintains production records and inventory control.
• Sets up and breaks down the equipment.

Job description

Position Details

Recruitment/Posting Title: Research Chef/Food Technologist

Posting Number: 26TM0369

Department: Food Innovation Center South

Overview: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses.

Overview: For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Posting Summary: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Research Chef/Food Technologist at its Food Innovation Center located in Bridgeton, NJ (Cumberland County).

• Works on the culinary and technical aspects of research projects conducted at the Food Innovation Center.
• Conducts competitive reviews of current market food products in addition to being able to make bench top prototypes.
• Develops formulas and specifications for ingredients, in-process, and final formulas.
• Responsible for the careful production of small batch market samples.
• Maintains production records and inventory control.
• Sets up and breaks down the equipment.

FLSA: Nonexempt

Salary Details: $22 - $30 per hour

Offer Information: The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits: Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status: Part Time

Working Hours: 19.5 hours per week

Daily Work Shift: Day

Work Arrangement: This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement

Payroll Designation: PeopleSoft

Terms of Appointment: Temporary Staff Appointment - Hourly

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in food or culinary science from an accredited institution or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or relevant experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent skills in project management.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to think broadly and holistically, yet also possess detail-oriented skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Up to ten years of experience as a research chef/food technologist.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• This position resides at the Food Innovation Center in Bridgeton, NJ (Cumberland County).
• This position will be required to take part in team meetings and activities onsite at the Food Innovation Center and off-site, throughout the state and surrounding region, working with other staff members and clientele.
• Some light lifting will be required.

Posting Details

Posting Open Date: 10/15/2026

Posting Close Date: 11/15/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Regional Campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Home Location Campus: Off Campus

City: Bridgeton

State: NJ

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement