Food scientist-food technologist Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

As a food scientist, you would use scientific techniques to:

• provide accurate nutritional information for food labelling
• investigate ways to keep food fresh, safe and attractive
• find ways of producing food more quickly and cheaply
• test the safety and quality of food.

As a food technologist, you would plan the manufacture of food and drink products and your duties may include:

• working on newly discovered ingredients to invent new recipes and ideas
• modifying foods, for example creating fat-free products
• conducting experiments and producing sample products
• designing the processes and machinery for making products in large quantities.

Some jobs (for example carrying out research for a supermarket chain) may involve quality control as well as product development.

As a food scientist or food technologist you would also gain knowledge and experience of areas like chemical engineering, production planning, market and consumer research, and financial management.

Hours

You would often work 9am to 5pm but in some jobs shift work is common to cover production times.

As a food scientist you could work in laboratories, research departments, or quality inspection and control on production lines.

As a food technologist, you would often spend time in factories monitoring production processes and machinery operations, which could include travelling to warehouses, distribution centres and suppliers’ factories.

Income

• Starting salaries for food scientists and technologists can be between £20,000 and £25,000 a year
• With experience and increased responsibilities, this can rise to between £30,000 and £45,000.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

You will need a strong background in science, usually through a BTEC HNC/HND or degree in a subject such as food science, food studies, or food technology.

To get on to a degree you will usually need:

• five GCSEs (A-C), and
• two or three A levels, preferably in chemistry or biology.

For a BTEC HNC/HND, entry requirements are usually one or two A levels or equivalent.

You can search for courses on the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website, and you should check directly with course providers for exact requirements.

• Universities and Colleges Admissions Service

If you have a degree in an unrelated subject, you could improve your chances of employment by taking a postgraduate course in a subject such as food safety or food quality management.

Visit the Institute of Food Science and Technology careers website for more information including details of relevant courses.

• Institute of Food Science and Technology

Alternatively, you could begin as a lab technician and work towards further qualifications whilst in employment. For this level you would need at least four GCSEs (A-C) including English, maths, and a science subject. See the laboratory technician job profile for more information.

• laboratory technician

Another option could be to enter through an apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. The most suitable Apprenticeship in Food and Drink (Food Industry Skills). To find out more, visit the Apprenticeships website.

• Apprenticeships

Training and development

Once you start work, your employer may provide in-house training, often as part of a graduate trainee scheme.

You may also be encouraged and financially supported through external short courses in subjects such as food hygiene, meat safety or sales and marketing. If your role includes inspecting food premises, you may need to take a qualification awarded by an organisation such as the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) or the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH).

• Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
• Royal Society for Public Health

If you join the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) you will have access to their continuing professional development (CPD) scheme, which will help you keep your knowledge and skills up to date.

Skills and knowledge

To be a food scientist/food technologist you should have:

• an aptitude for science and maths
• an interest in food production and preparation
• strong attention to detail
• the ability to work with strict hygiene rules
• good communication skills, to explain ideas to other scientists and factory staff
• a confident approach to enforcing regulations and reporting problems
• the ability to work in a team.

More information

Improve Ltd
Providence House
2 Innovation Close
York
YO10 5ZF
Tel: 0845 644 0448
www.improveltd.co.uk

Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST)
5 Cambridge Court
210 Shepherd's Bush Road
London
W6 7NJ
Tel: 020 7603 6316
www.ifst.org

IFST Careers
www.foodtechcareers.org

Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)
Chadwick Court
15 Hatfields
London
SE1 8DJ
Tel: 020 7928 6006
www.cieh.org

CIEH careers website
www.ehcareers.org

Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Coursefinder
Tel: 020 7827 5800
www.cieh-coursefinder.com

The Food and Drink Federation
6 Catherine Street
London
WC2B 5JJ
Tel: 020 7836 2460
www.fdf.org.uk

Opportunities

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

• food manufacturers
• retailers and supermarket chains
• government research establishments
• universities
• local authorities.

Within larger organisations you may have the opportunity to specialise, or move into a management role.

You may find the following useful for job vacancies and further reading (links open in new window):

• IFST Careers
• Just Food
• Food Recruitment
• Careers in Food & Drink
• The Grocer

Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.

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