FOOD SCIENTIST & TECHNOLOGIST

JOB DESCRIPTION

Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.

OTHER JOB TITLES

Food and Drug Research Scientist, Food Chemist, Food Engineer, Food Scientist, Food Technologist, Formulator, Product Development Scientist, Research Chef, Research Food Technologist, Research Scientist

JOB TASKS

  • Inspect food processing areas to ensure compliance with government regulations and standards for sanitation, safety, quality, and waste management.

  • Check raw ingredients for maturity or stability for processing, and finished products for safety, quality, and nutritional value.

  • Develop new or improved ways of preserving, processing, packaging, storing, and delivering foods, using knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and other sciences.

  • Test new products for flavor, texture, color, nutritional content, and adherence to government and industry standards.

  • Stay up to date on new regulations and current events regarding food science by reviewing scientific literature.

ANNUAL SALARY

  • Workers on average earn $35.31/hr. – $73,450 annually.
  • Projected Growth (2019-2029) Average (3%- 4%)
  • Projected job openings (2019-2029) 1400

REQUIRED EDUCATION

High school diploma/GED, most jobs in this field require a Bachelor’s Degree

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RESOURCES

O*NET ONLINE

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