Food technologist

Food technologist job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Food technologists are employed by a variety of public and private sector organisations including food manufacturing and retail companies, universities, central government organisations and specialist research associations/consultancies.

Technologists can work in a wide range of settings - kitchens, factories, laboratories and offices. Consequently, specific responsibilities vary greatly, but may include:

• liaising with marketing staff;
• generating new product ideas;
• evaluating and inspecting suppliers;
• ensuring that stringent food safety standards are met;
• identifying and choosing products from suppliers;
• monitoring the use of additives;
• controlling production hygiene and quality control standards;
• testing and examining samples;
• writing reports.

There are reasonable opportunities for advancement into senior technologist/managerial positions, providing that employees are able to change employer or to relocate if necessary.

Opportunities are advertised by careers services and recruitment agencies, via the internet, in newspapers and in a variety of specialist publications including Food Industry News and Food Manufacture. Although vacancies only attract moderate competition, early applications are advisable to larger employers. Speculative applications are also recommended, for which directories such as the Food Trades Directory and the International Food Ingredients Directory may be useful.

Qualifications and training required

To become a food technologist a good honours degree in an appropriate scientific subject is normally necessary, such as:

• food science/technology
• biochemistry
• nutrition
• microbiology
• chemistry
• life/medical/physical sciences.

Possession of a food-related postgraduate qualification can be beneficial, particularly for candidates without a relevant first degree. Job shadowing, networking and vacation placements can be helpful, and candidates possessing food industry work experience are often at an advantage. Experience can be gained via food production line employment or by working as a technician.

Keys skills for food technologists

Candidates should have meticulous attention to detail, excellent oral communication skills and good teamworking abilities.