What does a Food Scientist do?
Food scientists research the ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and their products. They conduct research and experiments to improve productivity and sustainability of field crops and farm animals.
Food scientists create new food products and innovate, process, package, and deliver food-related items. They study the composition of soil as it relates to plant growth, and they research ways to improve the soil. They communicate their research findings to the scientific community, food producers, and to the public and travel between facilities as they oversee implementation of new products. They conduct analysis of the nutritional content of certain foods, discover new food sources, and research ways to make processed foods safer and healthier for consumers. Some food scientists enforce government regulations by inspecting food processing areas to ensure they are sanitary and that they meet waste management standards. Food scientists need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited postsecondary institution.
- Order and stock supplies in galley and nourishment area.
- Work under the instruction and direction of the culinary manager to perform daily tasks.
- Follow all food safety related policies and procedures.
- Assemble and publish various quality/defect data reports and indices as directed.
- Follow disaster plans and uses strength and agility during participation in preparedness drills and actual emergencies.
- Participate in meetings and in-services on both department and company levels.
- Strength and stamina sufficient to frequently and continuously lift, push, pull, reach, squat, kneel, bend, carry, twist, pinch, grasp, climb stairs while carrying supplies, assume and maintain awkward positions while perform duties (such as working to maintain equipment) and manipulating various supplies and equipment.
- Follow recipes according to appropriate safe food handling procedures, using food service equipment.
- Perform warehouse audits of finished goods, WIP, and raw materials as requested.
- Review and maintain appropriate quality records and samples as needed.
- Complete safety assessments primarily in the food contact materials industry, but also to support other groups, such as agriculture, chemicals, or medical devices.
- Participate in drafting regulatory reports, contributing to the safety assessment portion of these reports.
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in food science, agricultural science, or meat science.
- A problem solver with strict attention to detail.
- Can strive for continuous improvement.
- Collaboration with teams and clients to improve upon best practices.
- Prior experience in a consulting capacity.
- Dedication to requirements analysis and sound decision making throughout the day.
- Comfortable taking leadership roles where needed, especially in the selection and execution of product.
- Experience with statistics and calculus.
Food Scientist Salaries
Average Base Pay
Food Scientist Career Path
Learn how to become a Food Scientist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Food Scientist Insights
Bettr Egg“It is a really nice place to work since you can feel that what you are doing makes an impact.”
Nespresso Global“Working hours are not really good”
“It is good to work here”
“Great people to work with”
International Flavors & Fragrances“Great people to work with”
Cargill“Great team to work with”
Bombucha“Good people to work with”
Unilever“Great opportunities for career development”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Food Scientist
When working as a Food Scientist, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are HACCP, GMPS, Strong WORK Ethic, Excellent Communication and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Quality Control Chemist
- Food Technologist
- Research Scientist
- Chemist
The most common qualifications to become a Food Scientist is a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.