Occupation Details
Food Scientists and Technologists
Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$60,610.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$94,470.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$111,970.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
510
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
590
+8 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
65
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Food Production
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
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.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Innovation
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Air sampling systems
- Amino acid analyzers
- Amylographs
- Anaerobic growth chambers
- Analytical balances
- Atomic absorption AA spectrometers
- Automatic diluters
- Autosamplers
- Bacterial identification systems
- Batch fryers
- Benchtop nephelometers
- Biological safety cabinets
- Bioreactors
- Blast freezers
- Carbon dioxide CO2 laboratory incubators
- Color difference meters
- Colorimeters
- Commercial microwave ovens
- Computerized calorimeters
- Conductivity meters
- Coulter counters
- Darkfield microscopes
- Dehydration equipment
- Dejuicers
- Desktop computers
- Differential refractometers
- Digital oscilloscopes
- Drum dryers
- Dynamic light scattering equipment
- Dynamic mechanical analyzers DMA
Technology
- MDS Analytical Technologies GenePix Pro
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- PathogenTracker
- SAP business and customer relations management software
- Sensory Computer Systems SIMS
- U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA National Nutrient Database
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- prepare sample for laboratory testing, analysis, or microscopy
- maintain records, reports, or files
- prepare reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- use precision measuring tools or equipment
- use biological testing instruments
- use microscope
- use laboratory equipment
- direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
- direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs
- advise clients or customers
- provide expert testimony on research results
- recommend improvements to work methods or procedures
- recommend further study or action based on research data
- advise governmental or industrial personnel
- determine the quality of food or beverages
- develop safety regulations
- write research or project grant proposals
- write business project or bid proposals
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- develop plans for programs or projects
- compile numerical or statistical data
- develop tables depicting data
- classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena
- explain complex mathematical information
- write scholarly or technical research papers
- communicate technical information
- make presentations
- confer with scientists
- plan scientific research or investigative studies
- adhere to safety procedures
- maintain established procedures concerning quality assurance
- develop new products based on scientific research results
- determine specifications
- develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- develop or maintain databases
- understand engineering data or reports
- recognize plant diseases
- isolate and identify micro-organisms
- examine biological or other material specimens under microscope
- confer with research personnel
- confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
- cultivate micro-organisms for study, testing, or medical preparations
- use chemical testing or analysis procedures
- use government regulations
- use health or sanitation standards
- use quality assurance techniques
- use scientific research methodology
- follow microbiology procedures
- use biological research techniques
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use quantitative research methods
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- use knowledge of metric system
- collect scientific or technical data
- analyze biological research, test, or analysis data
- analyze engineering design problems
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- analyze chemical experimental, test, or analysis data or findings
- conduct field research or investigative studies
- conduct laboratory research or experiments
- conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
- conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
- evaluate manufacturing or processing systems
- perform statistical analysis
- analyze engineering test data
- conduct analyses to determine physical properties of materials
- conduct analyses or tests of organic compounds
- use statistics in food research
- identify nutritional value of foods
- record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
- make decisions
- resolve engineering or science problems
- select food or beverage samples with specific characteristics
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- Evaluate food processing and storage operations and assist in the development of quality assurance programs for such operations.
- Stay up to date on new regulations and current events regarding food science by reviewing scientific literature.
- Confer with process engineers, plant operators, flavor experts, and packaging and marketing specialists to resolve problems in product development.
- Study the structure and composition of food or the changes foods undergo in storage and processing.
- Seek substitutes for harmful or undesirable additives, such as nitrites.
- Study methods to improve aspects of foods, such as chemical composition, flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, and convenience.
- Develop food standards and production specifications, safety and sanitary regulations, and waste management and water supply specifications.
- Develop new food items for production, based on consumer feedback.
- Demonstrate products to clients.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Agricultural and food scientists
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
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