Food scientists and food technologists work in the food and drink industry developing, and ensuring the safety of, a wide range of products for consumers.

The role of a food scientist involves using scientific techniques to:

• 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. 

Food technologists plan the manufacture of food and drink products. Their duties include:

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

Food scientists and technologists also have knowledge of chemical engineering, production planning, market and consumer research, and financial management.

Hours and Environment

Food scientists and technologists usually work 35 to 40 hours a week. This can be 9am to 5pm but shift work is common to cover production times.

Food scientists can work in laboratories, research departments, or quality inspection and control on production lines. Food technologists often spend much of their time in factories monitoring production processes and machinery operations.

Laboratory and factory conditions will vary depending on the type of operation being managed. Protective clothing may be worn as this work can involve using food materials of varying quality.

Skills and Interests

To be a food scientist or technologist you should:

• have an aptitude for science and maths
• be interested in food and cookery
• be able to pay attention to detail
• be prepared to work with strict hygiene rules
• have good communication skills, able to explain ideas to other scientists and factory staff
• be assertive and confident when enforcing regulations and reporting problems
• enjoy working in a team .

Entry

To work as a food scientist or food technologist you need a strong background in science, and usually a BTEC HNC/HND or degree in a subject such as food science, food studies, or food technology.  

The entry requirements for a degree will usually include five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus two or three A levels/H grades, preferably in chemistry or biology. For a BTEC HNC/HND, requirements are usually one or two A levels/H grades or equivalent.

An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

If you are interested in a career in this field but have a degree in an unrelated subject, there are  postgraduate diploma and Masters courses available in subjects such as food safety, and food quality management.

The Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) careers website holds details of all relevant undergraduate and postgraduate courses (see Further Information for contact details).

It is possible to begin working in this sector as a laboratory technician. To enter at this level you are likely to need at least four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) including English, maths, and a science subject (check the Laboratory Technician job profile for more information).

Another route in to this area of work can be through an apprenticeship scheme (see Training section for more details).

Training

Many employers provide initial training to new scientists/technologists in-house, often as part of a graduate trainee scheme. In addition, some employers will sponsor you through short, external courses, for example, in food hygiene or sales and marketing.

The IFST provide a continuing professional development (CPD) scheme for their members (see contact details in Further Information).

Some food scientists and technologists go on to study towards qualifications in food inspection and environmental health. Relevant qualifications specialising in this area include:

• IFST Higher Certificate in Food Premises Inspection
• Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Hazard Analysis Principles and Practice.

For more information about environmental health careers and qualifications, check the Environmental Health Officer job profile or contact the CIEH.

As a  laboratory technician you can work towards qualifications such as:

• NVQ/SVQ levels 1 to 3 in Food and Drink Manufacturing Operations
• NVQ levels 1 to 4 in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

Food scientists and technologists can work for a range of organisations interested in researching and developing new products, including:

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

Working for a supermarket chain, for example, may involve quality control as well as product development. This is likely to include travelling to warehouses, distribution centres and suppliers’ factories.

Within larger organisations there may be opportunities to specialise, or move into a management role.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline.

Graduate food scientists and technologists can earn around £20,000 to £25,000 a year.
With experience and increased responsibilities, you may earn between £30,000 and £40,000.

Further information

Tel: 020 7827 5800 Providence House
2 Innovation Close
York
YO10 5ZF
Tel: 0845 644 0448 5 Cambridge Court
210 Shepherd's Bush Road
London
W6 7NJ
Tel: 020 7603 6316 Chadwick Court
15 Hatfields
London
SE1 8DJ
Tel: 020 7928 6006
Careers website: http://www.ehcareers.org