Food Scientists and Technologists

Food and Drug Research Scientist

Food Chemist

Food Engineer

Food Scientist

Food Technologist

Formulator

Product Development Scientist

Research Chef

Research Food Technologist

Research Scientist

What is a Food Scientist and Technologist?

Food Scientists and Technologists are professionals who apply the principles of biology, chemistry, and engineering to the study of food. They work to improve food quality, safety, and nutritional value, as well as to develop new food products and processing techniques. These experts conduct research and experiment with food formulations, packaging, and preservation methods to address issues such as food spoilage and contamination. They also analyze food products for various attributes, including taste, texture, and shelf life, ensuring that foods meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations. Additionally, Food Scientists and Technologists may collaborate with other professionals in the food industry, such as chefs and nutritionists, to create innovative culinary solutions and promote healthful eating practices. Their work is essential in advancing food science, enhancing food production efficiency, and contributing to public health and sustainability within the food system.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$48480.0 - $135430.0

This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Inspect food processing areas to ensure compliance with government regulations and standards for sanitation, safety, quality, and waste management.
Check raw ingredients for maturity or stability for processing, and finished products for safety, quality, and nutritional value.
Develop new or improved ways of preserving, processing, packaging, storing, and delivering foods, using knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and other sciences.
Test new products for flavor, texture, color, nutritional content, and adherence to government and industry standards.
Stay up to date on new regulations and current events regarding food science by reviewing scientific literature.

Technology Skills

Data base user interface and query software
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Analytical or scientific software
Sales and marketing software
- HubSpot
- Marketo Engage
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel

Tools Used

Laboratory heat exchange condensers
Crushing machinery
Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters
- Spectrofluorimeters
- Ultraviolet UV spectrometers
Filling machinery
- Piston filling machines
- Stuffers
Laboratory mechanical convection ovens
- Laboratory ovens

Knowledge

Food Production
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

2 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R54,176pm

Is a Career as a Food Scientist or Technologist in South Africa Right for You?

The South African food and beverage industry is a cornerstone of our national economy, ensuring food security and maintaining world-class export standards. With 2 active jobs currently available and an average salary of R54,176pm, the sector is demonstrating robust growth. In fact, market data from 2024 shows a significant upward trajectory in compensation, with average monthly earnings rising from approximately R47,674 in January to nearly R59,593 by year-end. This reflects a high demand for specialised professionals who can navigate the complexities of food safety, innovation, and production.

Is Food Science and Technology Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Success in this field requires a unique blend of scientific rigour and practical creativity. Consider if you possess the following traits:

Analytical Mindset: Do you enjoy breaking down complex problems and investigating the "why" behind chemical or biological reactions?
Attention to Detail: Are you meticulous about measurements, hygiene protocols, and documentation? A small error in a formulation can have massive consequences.
Sensory Sensitivity: Do you have a keen sense of taste and smell? These are vital tools for quality control and new product development.
Ethical Integrity: Are you committed to public health? Food scientists must never compromise on safety standards or regulatory compliance.
Adaptability: Can you move comfortably between a high-tech laboratory and a fast-paced factory floor?
Project Management Skills: Are you able to organise multiple trials, manage timelines, and coordinate with different departments like marketing and logistics?

A Day in the Life of a South African Food Professional

In the South African context, your day might begin in a state-of-the-art laboratory in Gauteng or the Western Cape, conducting microbial tests to ensure a batch of dairy products meets strict safety standards. You aren't just stuck behind a desk; you are often on the production floor, collaborating with factory managers to optimise a processing line or troubleshoot a shelf-life issue.

You might spend your afternoon in a "test kitchen," reformulating a popular snack to reduce sugar content in line with local health regulations, or ensuring that a new export product meets the international HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) standards. Whether you are working for a multinational giant or a local artisanal producer, your role is the bridge between raw agricultural ingredients and the safe, nutritious products that end up in a consumer’s trolley.

Education & Upskilling: Building Your Foundation

To enter this profession, a solid educational foundation is non-negotiable. South Africa offers world-class training through various channels:

Formal University Degrees: A Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Food Science is the gold standard. Institutions such as Stellenbosch University, the University of Pretoria, and the University of the Free State offer comprehensive programmes.
Technological Diplomas: Universities of Technology (like CPUT or DUT) provide excellent National Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas in Food Technology, focusing heavily on the practical application of food processing.
Short Courses and Certifications: Staying relevant is vital. Professionals often pursue specialised certifications in FSSC 22000, Internal Auditing, or Sensory Analysis.

It is important to remember that continuous learning is the key to career longevity. As global food trends shift toward plant-based proteins and sustainable packaging, the most successful technologists are those who proactively upgrade their skills through workshops and South African Association for Food Science & Technology (SAAFoST) seminars.

Next Steps

Becoming a Food Scientist or Technologist is more than just a job; it is a commitment to innovation and public wellbeing. Given the current market growth and the increasing sophistication of our local food supply chain, there has never been a better time to enter the field. Are you ready to take the first step toward this rewarding career? Test your readiness now by completing our professional career assessment to see if you have the aptitude to excel in South Africa’s food industry.

Skills

Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Abilities

Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Bachelor's degree

57 %
Doctoral degree

13 %
Post-doctoral training

13 %

Work Activities

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Detailed Work Activities

Inspect areas for compliance with sanitation standards.
Evaluate quality of materials or products.
Research methods to improve food products.
Evaluate new technologies or methods.
Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.

Work Interests

Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.