Food Scientists and Technologists
What is a Food Scientist and Technologist?
Food Scientists and Technologists are professionals who apply the principles of biology, chemistry, and engineering to the study of food. They work to improve food quality, safety, and nutritional value, as well as to develop new food products and processing techniques. These experts conduct research and experiment with food formulations, packaging, and preservation methods to address issues such as food spoilage and contamination. They also analyze food products for various attributes, including taste, texture, and shelf life, ensuring that foods meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations. Additionally, Food Scientists and Technologists may collaborate with other professionals in the food industry, such as chefs and nutritionists, to create innovative culinary solutions and promote healthful eating practices. Their work is essential in advancing food science, enhancing food production efficiency, and contributing to public health and sustainability within the food system.
Tasks
- Inspect food processing areas to ensure compliance with government regulations and standards for sanitation, safety, quality, and waste management.
- Check raw ingredients for maturity or stability for processing, and finished products for safety, quality, and nutritional value.
- Develop new or improved ways of preserving, processing, packaging, storing, and delivering foods, using knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and other sciences.
- Test new products for flavor, texture, color, nutritional content, and adherence to government and industry standards.
- Stay up to date on new regulations and current events regarding food science by reviewing scientific literature.
Technology Skills
- Data base user interface and query software
- Presentation software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Sales and marketing software
- Spreadsheet software
Tools Used
- Laboratory heat exchange condensers
- Crushing machinery
- Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters
- Filling machinery
- Laboratory mechanical convection ovens
Knowledge
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Food Production
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
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Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
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Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skills
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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.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Bachelor's degree
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Doctoral degree
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Post-doctoral training
Work Activities
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Detailed Work Activities
- Inspect areas for compliance with sanitation standards.
- Evaluate quality of materials or products.
- Research methods to improve food products.
- Evaluate new technologies or methods.
- Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.
Work Interests
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$48480.0 - $135430.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.