Food Scientist
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In the career as food scientist, the food technologists use food sciences and technologies to convert the raw material into finished product. They apply the new technologies to select, preserve, process, distribute and use the safe food. The food that we eat daily is the result of many researches done by food scientists. After the research is complete, it is the responsibility of food industry to process that food in large amounts. Food scientists are often told by the food industry to find new food products from raw materials and improve the existing ones. Thus, their main job is to convert raw agricultural products into and attractive and healthy food products for the consumers.
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Tasks:-
The tasks that are carried out in a career as food scientist are as follows:-
- Development of new food products from raw food materials.
- Design different ways to produce these foods.
- Conduct research and testing of the food materials. Check if the food materials are healthy and have no side effects on human life and then only start for the production process.
- Decide the packaging material for different food products. For example liquid material should be packed in a tin or container, while a solid matter can be packed in a box.
- Study the shelf-life of food.
- Biological and microbiological testing of food.
- Study the food contents and analyze the level of vitamins, fats, sugar, and protein and make sure that all are available as per the industry standards.
- New methods of storing the food products and preserve its nutrition value and save it from getting spoilt or contaminated.
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Qualifications:-
To enter into a career as food scientist, a bachelor's degree is enough for some industries in product development or applied research in food technology. A Ph.D. in food science is needed for college teaching or to get a position of a senior research. Degrees with specialization in biology, chemistry or physics or in related engineering specialties also can be useful to become food technologist. The courses in dairy technology is also beneficial. All states have a land-grant colleges and universities that offer food science degrees. The related knowledge of communications, mathematics, economics, business and physical and life science is also essential.
Students preparing to be food scientists can also take courses such as food chemistry, food analysis, food microbiology, food engineering and food processing operations.
Other necessary Skills:-
The skills needed to enter into career as food scientist are as follows:-
- Good oral and written communication skills as they have to mostly have to work as a team
- Efficient with computers to analyze data and to control biological and chemical processing
- Able to apply statistical techniques and business principles
Place of work:-
In the career as food scientist those who work in management or basic research have to work for regular hours in offices and laboratories.
The work place for those involved in applied research or product development varies, depending on specialty and type of employer. For example, food scientists in industries may work in test kitchens while discovering new processing techniques.
Job Opportunities:-
The career as food scientist has a wide scope in many area. They are given below:
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Agriculture science
- Nutrition science
- Food chemistry
- Food marketing
- Food processing industries
- Government research centers
Other occupations that are similar to food scientists include
- Farmers, ranchers and agricultural managers.
Remuneration:-
In the career as food scientist, the average annual salary is better as compared to other scientists. However, the salary also depends on the type of work, employer and the education that the candidate has. The entry-level positions are the research assistants who are paid less, but the salary goes on increasing with the senior positions and the increase in skills. Those with a Ph.D. can expect a high salary package.
Job Progress:-
In the career as food scientist, the entry-level positions are for the research assistants who have completed a bachelor's degree. Those with a Ph.D. or master's degree can research on their own, and are eligible to become senior researchers or supervisors. Some of them may become production managers or research directors. Others who have leadership qualities can become top managers in their company.
Employment Forecast:-
Job growth in career as food scientist is expected to grow faster than the other occupations in the same arena. Opportunities are expected to be better than what they are in coming years, particularly in food technology. There will even be hike in the wages and allowances in this career.
The food technology is about to grow with the increase in Biotechnology and Nanotechnology. The food scientists will be needed to find new techniques for improving the quality of food. With the increase in the awareness of eating hygienic food, the importance for food technologist has increased. Those with a Ph.D. can expect a successful career as food scientist in the research sector..