ADD ADVICE TO FAVFood scientist / technologist
Food and drink scientists and technologists work in the food, retail and catering industries, and for the Government in research, environmental health, and trading standards departments.
What food scientists / technologists do
- develop new food products
- improve existing food products
- liaise with other functions such as buying, marketing and sales
- scale up kitchen-scale procedures for factory production
- test the quality of raw materials and finished products
- liaise with customers to ensure products are developed to their requirements
- research fundamental aspects of food such as composition, microbial contamination, shelf life, etc.
Key skills
- knowledge of a range of sciences and their applications to food, eg microbiology, chemistry, nutrition
- creative flair, eg if working in new product development or marketing
- the ability to communicate confidently both verbally and in writing.
Training to be a food scientist / technologist
Graduates of most scientific or technological disciplines can work in this field, although a food-related degree is an advantage.
On-the-job training is usually given by employers, eg specialist scientific / technical skills or broader management training. Larger employers offer specific graduate training programmes.
Salaries
Food scientists can expect to earn around £18,000 to £25,000 when they first graduate. More senior positions can attract salaries of up to £50,000.
