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
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
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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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.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta 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 each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Chemistry
Health and Food Technology (Home economics)
Hospitality: Practical Cookery (Home economics)
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.
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