Biological Scientist, Research Scientist
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 or management. Their job titles often reflect their area of specialization (for example, food chemist, food microbiologist, food engineer).
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 the following characteristics:
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, 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, university teaching positions and executive positions in 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.
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 or 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, or work overseas as consultants with international food agencies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), PLENTY Canada or Global Affairs Canada.
Most new graduates start work as technicians, often in junior positions. Once they have gained experience, they can move into:
Food scientists employed by federal and provincial government agencies may advance from laboratory technician positions to scientist or supervisory positions. 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' salaries vary considerably depending on the scientist's qualifications and the employer.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $19.50 | $54.74 | $33.14 | $31.25 |
| Overall | $27.99 | $68.42 | $45.86 | $43.04 |
| Top | $33.00 | $106.05 | $61.02 | $56.29 |
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* 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.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST) website: www.cifst.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 09, 2016. 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.