Food Scientist

Typical Salary

£20,000 To £45,000

Typical Hours

39 to 41 a week

evenings on shifts

How To Become a Food Scientist

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

College / University

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

food science
food studies
food technology

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

Apprenticeship

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

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

Routes into this Career

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

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

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
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

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

Working Environment

You could work at a research facility or in a laboratory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

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

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.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

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

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.