Career options in food science Food product or ingredient development scientist. Food microbiologist or food safety expert. Food Process and Packaging Design Engineer. Food plant production supervisor or manager.
If possible, adapt your work experience to the type of position you are interested in. For example, if you want to become a food technologist, quality manager, or product developer, you can look for positions in a food manufacturing company or retailer. Alternatively, if you're interested in following a nutritional path, try to gain some experience in a healthcare or public health setting. Let's start with one of the darkest jobs for food scientists.
If you like working with animals and are concerned about animal health and safety, you could consider applying your degree in food science to work as an animal nutritionist. These professionals work in zoos, veterinary hospitals and other facilities that house animals in need of care, including regular feeding. These special types of nutritionists must understand the dietary needs of each animal and the types of food those animals eat in the wild. Animal nutritionists also determine the amount of calories each animal needs based on their age and size, and ensure that those animals receive the best possible nutritional care.
Food scientist and technologist Food science technicians, also known as food analysts, assist food scientists and technologists in their research. They perform standardized tests to ensure quality, quality control and content analysis of food products. Food science technicians collect and maintain data obtained from their laboratory tests. Technicians analyze the results to classify products and samples or compare the results with standard tables.
They ensure that food products and packaging meet the required specifications. Food technicians may be responsible for preparing reports based on their results. Technicians are involved in cleaning and maintaining laboratory equipment. Extension agents and specialists Consumer safety officers perform evaluations at production plants to verify that their food safety systems are properly designed.
They also ensure that the systems are working properly. CSOs can conduct investigations and collect evidence to support compliance actions. Brian Thane, member of the IFT and director of aseptic technology at Tetra Park, talks about supplying aseptic packaging to 170 countries, the interesting and rewarding aspects of his work and how he contributes to the profession of food science. A food and restaurant inspector is someone who inspects food products, as well as restaurants and facilities that manufacture or package food for the general public.
Before choosing a major or a major in college, it's a good idea to look at some of the most common (and not so common) types of jobs with a degree in food science to decide exactly what you should study. With one of these great jobs in food science, you can work for a non-profit organization, a conglomerate of farmers, television networks, government agencies, or many other employers. If you're an animal lover, you'll be happy to know that this particular career in food science is actually quite lucrative. Sensory scientists typically have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in food science or a related field.
Despite their important work, food and restaurant inspectors don't earn as much as some of the other food science professionals. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is a government agency that offers assistance programs in foreign countries so that people in those countries can meet their basic needs, such as food and nutrition education. Some food microbiologists work for academic institutions, conducting research and publishing new findings in food science and microbiology. Any type of position in the food science or technology environment is useful for developing your skills and allowing you to demonstrate your interest in the industry.
They can evaluate the methods used in food production facilities to ensure that food safety regulations are met and enforce regulations when necessary. Their research helps companies and food manufacturers to produce foods that appeal to consumers and all their senses. As is the case with all professional careers in food science, the salaries of flavourers can vary depending on their exact terms of employment. Follow Michele Perchonok, member of the IFT, former manager of Advanced Food Technology at NASA, and members of the food science team as they guide us through their work at the Food Systems Space Laboratory and describe their role in conceptualizing and preparing food for successful space missions.
Restaurant inspectors are also responsible for rating a restaurant based on compliance with food safety regulations. .
