Job Description

Food Scientist will research and develop a wide range of foods and food related products to make sure they are safe and fit for human consumption. They will develop new ingredients, test the quality of the products, make sure labelling is correct and shows the nutritional value. They will also explore alternative manufacturing methods.

(You might also consider: Field Biologist)

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

Apprenticeship

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

You'll usually need:

• 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

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

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.

You'll usually need:

• 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

Click here to search for a suitable course.

Work

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

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a food scientist from the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Career Path and Progression

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.

Related careers you may be interested in:

• Baker
• Biochemist
• Biologist
• Biotechnologist

Required Skills

• An innovative approach to researching new products
• Good analytical skills
• Attention to detail
• Good concentration levels
• Strong IT skills
• maths knowledge
• knowledge of biology

Salary Range

£20,000 to £45,000