Product Development Food Scientist
Product development food scientists are responsible for improving or creating new methods for processing, canning, freezing, storing, packaging or distributing food. They will coordinate, plan, design and execute product development tasks through all stages of development from small- to large-scale trials. Product development food scientists work with many departments within a company to ensure that products fall within budget and manufacturing capabilities.
Future Job Market
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Fair
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Good
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Excellent
Typical Employers:
Typical employers include food production companies, government agencies, colleges and universities.
Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations:
- American Meat Science Association
- American Council for Food Safety and Quality
- Institute of Food Technologists
- National Coalition for Food and Agricultural Research
- International Union of Food Science and Technology
Salary:
$69,000?
SAE Connections:
FFA Connections:
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Coordinate, plan, design and execute product development through all stages of development
- Design, develop and test processes and processing equipment
- Improve quality of equipment and increase production
- Create new methods to preserve food and increase food manufacturing efficiency
- Conduct sensory evaluations, analytical analyses and tests to assess the shelf life of a product
- Source manufacturing equipment for company usage
- Repair production processes that are not working properly
- Provide guidance on the creation of product nutrition labels
- Source and evaluate raw materials
- Establish and maintain strong business-partner relationships with suppliers and vendors
- Work with quality assurance teams to maintain food product standards
- Create reports and presentations discussing project status
- Teach and train new employees about processes and equipment
- Identify and correct quality problems
- Monitor production processes and interview staff to identify opportunities for improvement
- Ensure the health, safety, cleanliness and security of the work environment
Recommended High School Courses:
- agricultural education
- family and consumer sciences
- biology
- chemistry
- mathematics
Education/Training Required:
An associate or bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, biology, food safety, nutrition, chemical engineering or a related field is required. However, some companies may require a master’s or doctorate degree.
