Food scientist or food technologist
Invent new food products, such as meat-free alternatives. You'd also test food for safety and quality and find ways to keep it fresh for longer.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£462
Entry level
£865
Experienced
Monthly
£2,000
Entry level
£3,750
Experienced
Yearly
£24,000
Entry level
£45,000
Experienced
16,100
people are currently employed
High growth
300 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
Do you have an appetite for science? Do you like to experiment with food? If so, you could combine these into a fascinating career.
You'll come up with new and improved food products that are safe, sustainable, nutritious, and delicious. You'll collaborate with chefs, farmers and engineers to add to Scotland's rich food heritage.
Want a taste of what this job involves?
Your tasks might include:
developing new recipes and improving existing ones
researching different ways to combine ingredients, textures and flavours
providing nutritional information for food labelling
making sure food meets safety and quality standards
making food production processes more efficient
investigating and fixing problems such as quality issues
A curious mind, a passion for problem-solving and strong scientific skills are a recipe for success in this job. This could be the career for you if you love food and science and want to make a positive impact on the world.
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You could:
coming up with sustainable products such as meat-free alternatives
making food production processes more sustainable
Hours
Environment
Travel
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Life sciences Life sciences Food and drink Digital technologies Chemical sciences
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- understanding
- analysing
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Chemistry
Health and Food Technology
Hospitality: Practical Cookery
Human Biology
Skills for Work: Laboratory Science
Foundation Apprenticeship: Food and Drink Technologies
Skills for Work: Food and Drink Manufacturing Industry
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You need a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or degree (SCQF level 9/10) in Food Science or Food technologies or a related science subject.
You can enter a Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers including science subjects, preferably chemistry, or equivalent qualifications.
To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
Qualifications and experience that show scientific skills and an interest in food and drink such as Skills for Work Laboratory Science (SCQF level 5) or Food and Drink (SCFQ level 5).
Once qualified it may be helpful to become a member of the Institute of Food Science and Technology.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Food scientist or food technologist'
