Job description
Food scientists use chemistry, microbiology and other sciences to study food content, safety and processing. They analyse nutritional value and research ways to make foods healthier and more flavourful. Food scientists evaluate data and test results to discover better techniques for food selection, preservation and distribution.
Duties
- Check raw ingredients for quality and stability for processing
- Evaluate finished products and test new ones for safety, nutritional value and other quality standards
- Compile data on the structure of food and changes that occur during processing and storage
- Study and test methods for improving flavour, colour, texture and other aspects of foods
- Coordinate with experts in processing, food flavours and marketing to improve product development
- Develop new processes of selecting, processing, packaging, storing and delivering foods
- Research alternate food sources and develop substitutes for harmful additives
- Develop new food items for production based on research, testing and customer feedback
- Inspect food processing areas for compliance with safety regulations and sanitation
- Develop and implement improved standards for safe food handling and waste management
- Supervise technicians and direct their testing and laboratory work
- Demonstrate new products for clients
Skills and qualities
Job outlook
Projected growth
5%
New jobs
800
Automation risk
7.7%
Career progression
Achievement and reliability as a food scientist can lead to larger and more prestigious projects. Earning a master's in toxicology or dietetics can open up more specialised job opportunities. Those with a more general BSc degree may choose to earn their PhD and focus on doing research in the food sciences.
Food scientists may also use their degree to transition into related careers in farming, agricultural inspection and farm-related manufacturing.
Working conditions
Average hours
40h/ week
Typical schedule
Full Time
Standard business hours
Food scientists work full time, mostly in the laboratory or office. They may also do fieldwork at farms, greenhouses and processing plants. Some food scientist positions require travel, including international locations.
Visiting food production facilities requires appropriate clothing and following biosecurity protocols. Exposure to loud production machinery and cold temperatures from storage equipment is possible.
Salary
Bottom 10%
$40k
Median
$65k
Top 10%
$120k
Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.
Qualifications and training
Education level
Undergraduate
Agricultural science degree
Study time
4 years
Food scientists typically have a bachelor's degree in agricultural science or a related field like chemistry or chemical engineering. You should select applicable coursework such as food analysis, food chemistry and food engineering. Internships and cooperative programmes provide valuable hands-on experience to boost your résumé.
Some food scientists earn advanced degrees to expand their career options. Certifications from organisations like the American Society of Agronomy and the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) can help with your career progression.
Sources
American Society of Agronomy Bureau of Labor Statistics Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) O*NET OnLine Oxford Martin SchoolLast Updated: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
