Food Scientists and Technologists

Course Advisor; United States; On-site; USD 39,510 - 118,630; Full time

Job summary

Course Advisor is looking for a Food Scientist to research and develop improved food processing and preservation methods. The role involves analyzing food content, staying updated on food science regulations, collaborating with experts, and developing safety standards. The average yearly salary ranges from $39,510 to $118,630, with job growth expected in various U.S. states. Key skills include active listening, writing, and critical thinking.

Responsibilities

• Study methods to improve aspects of foods, such as chemical composition and nutritional value.
• Develop food standards and production regulations.
• Confer with specialists to resolve problems in product development.

Skills

Active Listening

Writing

Reading Comprehension

Active Learning

Speaking

Critical Thinking

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Office

Microsoft PowerPoint

SAP

Insightful S-PLUS

STATISTICA

Image analysis software

Job description

Career 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.

Responsibilities

• Study methods to improve aspects of foods, such as chemical composition, flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, and convenience.
• Stay up to date on new regulations and current events regarding food science by reviewing scientific literature.
• Develop food standards and production specifications, safety and sanitary regulations, and waste management and water supply specifications.
• Seek substitutes for harmful or undesirable additives, such as nitrites.
• Confer with process engineers, plant operators, flavor experts, and packaging and marketing specialists to resolve problems in product development.
• Develop new or improved ways of preserving, processing, packaging, storing, and delivering foods, using knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and other sciences.

Key Skills

• Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Related Titles

• Research Chef
• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Coordinator (HACCP Coordinator)
• Research Food Technologist
• Quality Control Scientist (QC Scientist)

Job Demand

There were about 17,000 jobs for Food Scientist or Technologist in 2016 in the United States. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.9%, which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts about 1,000 new jobs by 2026, and estimates 1,800 positions per year. The states with the most job growth are Utah, Colorado, and Arkansas; growth is lower in Washington, Vermont, and South Carolina.

Salary

The average yearly salary ranges between $39,510 and $118,630. Food scientists and technologists earn the highest salaries in the District of Columbia, Illinois, and Massachusetts.

Tools

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• SAP
• Insightful S-PLUS
• STATISTICA
• Image analysis software