Occupation AtlasFood Scientists and Technologists
O*NET · 19-1012.00
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.
Also called Applications Scientist · Corporate Food Scientist · Crop Advisor · Dairy Bacteriologist · Enologist · Fermentation Scientist · Flavorist · Food and Drug Research Scientist
24 more
Food Engineer · Food Preservation Scientist · Food Processing Scientist · Food Safety Auditor · Food Safety Regulatory Manager · Food Safety Scientist · Food Scientist · Food Technologist · Formulator · Hybrid Corn Breeder · Hybrid Technologist · Postdoc Research Associate · Postdoctoral Research Associate (Postdoc Research Associate) · Product Development Scientist · Product Development Specialist · QC Scientist · QC Scientist (Quality Control Scientist) · Quality Food Expert · Research Chef · Research Scientist · Scientist · Swine Nutritionist · Swine Tech · Swine Technician (Swine Tech)
Compare with another occupationCompare with Soil and Plant Scientists
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
IRCInvestigative · Realistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- I Investigative5.71
- R Realistic5.05
- C Conventional3.95
- E Enterprising2.58
- A Artistic2.45
- S Social2.16
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (32%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (23%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (36%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Active LearningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- WritingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- SciencebasicImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
Show the other 23
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- MathematicsbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
- Time ManagementImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- PersuasionImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- CoordinationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- NegotiationImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- InstructingImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Service OrientationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
- Technology DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- ProgrammingImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
13 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Inspect food processing areas to ensure compliance with government regulations and standards for sanitation, safety, quality, and waste management.Importance 4.4
- Check raw ingredients for maturity or stability for processing, and finished products for safety, quality, and nutritional value.Importance 4.2
- Study methods to improve aspects of foods, such as chemical composition, flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, and convenience.Importance 4.2
- Develop food standards and production specifications, safety and sanitary regulations, and waste management and water supply specifications.Importance 4.1
- Confer with process engineers, plant operators, flavor experts, and packaging and marketing specialists to resolve problems in product development.Importance 4.0
- Study the structure and composition of food or the changes foods undergo in storage and processing.Importance 4.0
- Stay up to date on new regulations and current events regarding food science by reviewing scientific literature.Importance 4.0
- Test new products for flavor, texture, color, nutritional content, and adherence to government and industry standards.Importance 3.9
- Develop new or improved ways of preserving, processing, packaging, storing, and delivering foods, using knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and other sciences.Importance 3.8
- Develop new food items for production, based on consumer feedback.Importance 3.8
- Evaluate food processing and storage operations and assist in the development of quality assurance programs for such operations.Importance 3.7
- Demonstrate products to clients.Importance 3.4
Show the other 1
- Seek substitutes for harmful or undesirable additives, such as nitrites.Importance 3.2
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Production and ProcessingImportance 4.4Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
- ChemistryImportance 4.1Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
- Food ProductionImportance 4.1Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Operate a commercial fishing boat
- English LanguageImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 3.7Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
- MathematicsImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- BiologyImportance 3.5Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
Show all 33
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.1Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Law and GovernmentImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- AdministrativeImportance 3.0Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- PhysicsImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
- MechanicalImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 2.8
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- DesignImportance 2.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- PsychologyImportance 2.2Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- TransportationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- GeographyImportance 1.8Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.7Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.3Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.3Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Problem SensitivityImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Category FlexibilityImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Information OrderingImportance 4.0Level 4.1
- Near VisionImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
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- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- OriginalityImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Number FacilityImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- Far VisionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Speed of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- MemorizationImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Time SharingImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- VisualizationImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Reaction TimeImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- StaminaImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.9Level 0.9
- Rate ControlImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Static StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Response OrientationImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.6Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.4Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Getting InformationImportance 4.4Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.3Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.2Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.2Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
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- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.1Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Processing InformationImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.0Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.9Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.4Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.4Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.2Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.1Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.6Level 2.9
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.6
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.3Level 2.8
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
22 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (4)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
Hot (9; 4 more marked hot above)
- HubSpot software
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Marketo Marketing Automation
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Word
- R
- SAP software
- Structured query language SQL
- Tableau
Other tools (9)
- BioDiscovery ImaGene
- Image analysis software
- Insightful S-PLUS
- MDS Analytical Technologies GenePix Pro
- Oracle Eloqua
- PathogenTracker
- Sensory Computer Systems SIMS
- STATISTICA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA National Nutrient Database
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Soil and Plant Scientists
Average difference 0.2 points · Equipment Selection −0.9, Programming +0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Average difference 0.2 points · Equipment Selection −0.9, Science −0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Animal Scientists
Average difference 0.2 points · Equipment Selection −0.8, Quality Control Analysis −0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −1.1, Active Learning −0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Water Resource Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Equipment Selection −0.9, Science −0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Veterinarians
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis −1.3, Systems Analysis −0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis −1.1, Mathematics +0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Environmental Restoration Planners
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis −1.0, Programming +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.