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Food scientist

Alternative titles for this job include Food technologist

Food scientists and food technologists develop food and drink products, making sure they are safe to consume.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 45 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Food scientist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

  • food science and technology
  • food and nutritional science
  • food technology and product development

You may be able to study for a postgraduate qualification in food science if you have a related first degree, such as:

  • biochemistry
  • microbiology
  • agricultural science

You can search for degree and postgraduate courses through the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Experience of working in a food science or food development environment, for example through an industrial placement during your course, may improve your career prospects.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, for example:

  • Food Technologist Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Food Industry Technical Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These take between 2 and 4 years to complete, and are a mix of training on-the-job and classroom study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as a food technologist, development assistant or lab technician with a food manufacturer. You would then study for relevant qualifications while you work.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Institute of Food Science and Technology for professional development opportunities, industry news and access to career resources.

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a food scientist from the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of food production methods
  • knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
  • knowledge of biology
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • analytical thinking skills
  • maths knowledge
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a food scientist, you'll:

  • develop new recipes and improve existing products
  • provide accurate nutritional information for food labelling
  • test samples to make sure they meet safety and quality standards
  • design production processes to be more efficient
  • research different ways to combine ingredients, textures and flavours
  • investigate and fix problems, like customer complaints or quality issues

Working environment

You could work at a research facility, in a laboratory or in a factory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could work for a variety of organisations involved in the development and safety of food and drink products, including:

  • food manufacturers and supermarkets
  • government and university research establishments
  • local authorities

With experience, you could become a senior development technologist or scientist, project leader or departmental manager.

You might improve your career prospects by applying for Registered Scientist (RSci) or Chartered Scientist (CSci) status through the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

You could also move into related areas, like agricultural research, toxicology or nutritional science.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Level 6 R&D Food Professional Degree Apprenticeship Programme - Colworth, Bedfordshire

  • Wage: £23,600 a year Annually
  • Location: Sharnbrook, Bedford

Level 6 R&D Food Professional Degree Apprenticeship Programme - Colworth, Bedfordshire

  • Wage: £22,716 a year Annually
  • Location: Sharnbrook, Bedford
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Food Science

  • Provider: NORTHGATE HIGH SCHOOL
  • Start date: 03 September 2025
  • Location: Ipswich

Food Science

  • Provider: MILDENHALL COLLEGE ACADEMY
  • Start date: 03 September 2025
  • Location: Bury Saint Edmunds
Find courses near you

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