Food scientist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• food science
• food studies
• food technology

Employers may also accept other subjects like chemistry or nutrition.

If you have a degree in an unrelated subject, you could study a postgraduate course like food safety or food quality management.

Experience of working in a food science or food development environment, for example through an industrial placement, may improve your career prospects.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a food technologist advanced apprenticeship then move on to a food industry technical professional degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start as a food technician or lab assistant with a food manufacturer and study for further qualifications while you work.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• maths knowledge
• knowledge of biology
• knowledge of food production methods
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• excellent written communication skills
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• the ability to use your initiative
• active listening skills
• the ability to learn through your work
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Food scientists and food technologists develop food and drink products, making sure they are safe to consume.

As a food scientist, you'll:

• provide accurate nutritional information for food labelling
• investigate ways to keep food fresh, safe and attractive
• find ways to save time and money in food making
• test the safety and quality of food

As a food technologist, you'll:

• blend new ingredients to invent and modify recipes
• conduct experiments and produce sample products
• design production processes and machinery
• source, cost and select raw materials
• investigate and resolve problems, like customer complaints or quality issues

Location : You could work at a research facility or in a laboratory.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £45,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings on shifts

Career Path:

You could work for a range of organisations involved in researching and developing new products, including:

• food manufacturers and supermarkets
• government and university research establishments
• local authorities

You could improve your career prospects by getting Registered Scientist (RSci) or Chartered Scientist (CSci) status through the Institute of Food Science and Technology .

With experience you could become a project leader or manage a department like research and development or quality control. You could also move into fields like chemical engineering, agricultural research, toxicology or nutrition science.