Research Scientist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $30.69 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $41.93 |
| Top | $54.40 |
Interest in synthesizing information to conduct ecological and environmental impact studies and to prepare reports, and to develop new practices in biological research
Interest in precision working with instruments and equipment to conduct experiments in plant and animal growth, heredity and breeding
Interest in consulting to advise on issues related to biological processes and research and the development of new products; may supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Food scientists may work in research, processing and product development, food safety, or management. Their job titles, such as food chemist, food microbiologist, or food engineer, often reflect their areas of specialization.
In general, food scientists work in 5 areas:
To ensure food safety, food scientists develop, implement, and monitor Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) programs.
Food scientists generally work in offices, laboratories, and processing plants. Those employed in processing plants may work shifts that include evenings, weekends and holidays.
Food scientists need:
They should enjoy:
The minimum education requirement for food scientists is a 4-year bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, such as food science and technology, biochemistry, chemistry or microbiology. Advancement opportunities are best for those who have a related master’s degree. A doctoral degree (PhD) generally is required for independent research positions and university teaching positions. A PhD is also an asset for senior positions in food safety and product development in large companies.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Most companies involved in food and beverage processing or manufacturing employ food scientists. Major sectors in Alberta’s food-processing industry include:
Food scientists may work in research and development, quality assurance, inspection, management or production. They also may be employed in processing areas in food plants. Retail food chains employ food scientists to develop food safety programs.
Food scientists also may be employed in the Public Administration or Educational Services industries. They may work overseas as consultants with international food agencies. These can include the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), PLENTY Canada, Global Affairs Canada and others.
Most new graduates start work as technicians, often in junior positions. With more experience, they can move into:
Food scientists employed by federal and provincial government agencies may advance from laboratory technicians to positions as scientists or supervisors. A master’s degree may be required for advancement.
Research and teaching positions in post-secondary schools generally require a doctoral degree, particularly in universities.
Food scientists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2121: Biologists and related scientists. In Alberta, 80% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Food scientists’ salaries vary considerably depending on the scientist’s qualifications and the employer.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $25.72 | $48.08 | $30.69 | $25.72 |
| Overall | $31.46 | $63.82 | $41.93 | $37.73 |
| Top | $41.28 | $64.10 | $54.40 | $55.21 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $118,553 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $101,644 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $84,998 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $79,655 |
Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST) website: www.cifst.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.