Food Scientists and Technologists

Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to find out how foods are made and how they go bad. Analyze foods to find out how many vitamins, fats, sugar, and protein they have.

Career Snapshot

ABOUT FOOD SCIENTIST OR TECHNOLOGIST CAREERS

Most of us take the safety and availability of the food we eat for granted. Nonetheless, many visitors to America are astounded by the diversity and plenty on exhibit in our supermarkets. Agricultural and food scientists are responsible for ensuring a consistent and safe food supply. They are present in almost every facet of the American diet. Scientists labour to improve what's already good, from the farm to the processing plant to the packagers to the table. 

Agricultural experts create safer methods for controlling pests and weeds on farms. They also evaluate how to protect land and water while working on the required circumstances for rearing farm animals. They could be employed by a university agricultural research centre, a major dairy, or the government. Food scientists research and develop innovative methods for preserving, processing, packaging, storing, and delivering food. 

Their workplace could be a spotless test kitchen or a factory. These experts use college degrees in chemistry, microbiology, plant science, agronomy, genetic engineering, and entomology (the study of insects) to carry out their critical work. 

Some professions in applied research require only a bachelor's degree, while master's or doctoral degrees are frequently required for basic research. A Ph.D. is typically necessary for employment in college teaching and administrative research. 

Every state has a land grant college where agriculture and food science courses and research are taught. If a job in agriculture or food science interests you, pick a specialty and then look for a college or institution that offers the specialised education you require.

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Characteristics

Leadership
Physical demands
Critical decision making
Comfort of the work setting
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
Communication with others
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
Exposure to job hazards
Dealing and handling conflicts
Level of responsibilities
Competition for this position
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines

Activities

Analyzing Data or Information Know More
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Know More
Documenting/Recording Information Know More
Getting Information Know More
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Know More
Making Decisions and Solving Problems Know More
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Know More
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Know More

Areas of Study

Biology Know More
Chemistry Know More
Education and Training Know More
Engineering and Technology Know More
English Language Know More
Food Production Know More
Mathematics Know More
Production and Processing Know More

Degrees

Colleges

Top Skills

Active Learning Know More
Active Listening Know More
Complex Problem Solving Know More
Critical Thinking Know More
Monitoring Know More
Reading Comprehension Know More
Speaking Know More
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