What is the role of a food scientist?
food scientists play a critical role in the food industry, specializing in the research and development of new food products or processes. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the safety, quality, and nutritional value of food items, while also considering factors like taste, texture, and shelf-life. food scientists work to optimize food production methods, develop innovative food products, and contribute to advancements in the field of food biotechnology.
Ready to take the next step?
Apply now for a job as a Food Scientist
Production Manager
Location: Stanwood
Branche: Food Production
Expertise: HR & Recruiting
Experience: 4 years
Lead all production initiatives to ensure quality, efficiency, and productivity in daily operations. Work closely with internal teams to plan and organize production schedules and manage resources to ensure a steady supply of materials for production. Collaborate with procurement, logistics, and quality assurance teams. Resolve production issues and minimize downtime. Maintain accurate production records and reports. Develop high performance by engaging, coaching, and developing team members, driving accountability and ownership at all levels. Drive company policies, procedures, and programs, including Health & Safety, Food Safety, and Quality programs, to ensure the facility maintains world-class production. Maintain cost controls and implement budgets in each department. Utilize production personnel and equipment to maximize capacity and performance with optimal yields and quality products. Oversee operational budgets and ensure resources are used efficiently. Track production outcomes against targets to identify continuous improvement measures and align with business strategy. Drive a strong safety culture to ensure adherence to company policies, procedures, and applicable local regulations and laws. Participate in internal and external audits, working with internal teams to address findings and corrective actions required. Follow all Food Safety, HACCP, Quality, and Operational procedures (SOPs) as defined in NMF's Quality Management System. Perform other duties as assigned.
QA Supervisor
Location: Stanwood
Branche: Food Production
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 3 years
Responsibilities Supervise and lead the Quality Assurance team, providing training, guidance, and performance management. Oversee quality control procedures to ensure compliance with FDA regulations, FSMA, HACCP, GMPs, and other food safety standards. Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance programs, policies, and SOPs. Conduct internal audits, inspections, and root cause analyses for deviations, non-conformances, and customer complaints. Work closely with production, sanitation, and R&D teams to identify and resolve quality issues proactively. Ensure all documentation, including batch records, testing logs, and regulatory paperwork, is accurate and up to date. Coordinate third-party audits and regulatory inspections, addressing any findings in a timely manner. Monitor raw material and finished product quality, implementing corrective actions when necessary. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance food safety and quality processes. Stay up to date with industry trends, regulatory updates, and best practices in food manufacturing.
QA Technician
Location: Stanwood
Branche: Food Production
Expertise: Quality Management
Experience: 1 years
Conduct process checks across production, packaging, sanitation, and warehouse operations, including GMP compliance, metal detection, label and coding verification, hygiene, safety, and in-process and finished product weight checks. Accurately document all QA activities in a timely manner. Continuously evaluate inspection results and promptly communicate potential issues to the QA Supervisor Prepare reports and summaries, sharing findings with the QA Supervisor and other relevant personnel as needed. Collect and submit samples for laboratory analysis. Support the development and delivery of Quality and Food Safety training for manufacturing and support teams. Assist in investigations related to consumer and customer complaints. Provide support during third-party audits. Participate in plant trials and perform other related duties as assigned.
Technischer Leiter (w/m/d)
Location: Osnabrück
Branche: Communications Services
Expertise: HR & Recruiting
Experience: 3 years
Sicherstellung der Verfügbarkeit und Betriebssicherheit von Produktionsanlagen, Maschinen und Betriebseinrichtungen durch präventive Wartung, Instandhaltung und rasche Störungsbehebung Erstellung des Investitions- und Instandhaltungsplans inklusive Planung von Ersatzinvestitionen unter Berücksichtigung aktueller technischer Entwicklungen Unterstützung bei der Inbetriebnahme neuer Anlagen und Maschinen sowie deren Integration in bestehende Betriebsabläufe Beratung und Unterstützung der Produktionsleitung bei der Einhaltung behördlicher Vorgaben sowie der Einhaltung von Sicherheits-, Umwelt- und Qualitätsstandards (z.B. IFS Food, Betriebssicherheitsverordnung) Verantwortung für das Budget der Instandhaltung und Ersatzteilversorgung, inklusive Überwachung der Kosten und Budgetkontrolle Leitung und Umsetzung technischer Projekte, um die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit des Unternehmens langfristig sicherzustellen Unterstützung des Energiemanagements zur Aufrechterhaltung des ISO 50001 Standards Entwicklung und Umsetzung von Kostenoptimierungsmaßnahmen im technischen Bereich Weiterentwicklung und Förderung der Mitarbeitenden in Ihrem Verantwortungsbereich
Maintenance Supervisor
Location: St. John's
Branche: Food Production
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 3 years
Responsibilities Effectively manage daily activities of maintenance staff; including training, performance management, employee coaching, scheduling and leave management Provide technical advice and guidance regarding the repair and maintenance of all machines and equipment Ensures the preventative maintenance program is effectively followed Ensures departmental budgets are appropriately developed and adhered to Responsible for departmental OHS and food safety by ensuring employees follow safe work procedures Lead weekly maintenance meetings Analyzes departmental performance indicators and makes improvements as required Coordinate and supervise outside contractors for specific projects or jobs. Assists in the planning for and oversees new machinery installations and building renovations. Recommends changes in equipment design or layout or operation to improve product quality or plant productivity. Requisitions supplies and materials required for the day-to-day operations of the maintenance department. Authorizes overtime and verifies employee time records Performs other related duties
Head of Worker’s Welfare
Location: Doha
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 5 years
Monitor, maintain and review Worker Welfare program, standards, protocols and systems, including workers accommodation and on-Site compliance with relevant laws and regulations of the State of Qatar and Onshore CONTRACT as well as relevant CONTRACTOR SHES Plans and Procedures, such as Camp Management Plan and Health and Welfare Procedures.Review regularly CONTRACTORs for compliance with the relevant requirements.Ensure suitable COMPANY oversight is provided for CONTRACTOR’s, Welfare Teams, Camp Operators and Subcontractors to sustain the Onshore requirements in terms of Worker Welfare management and achieve high performance standards.Participate and provide guidance in Worker Welfare Committee Meetings, Food Committee Meetings, Contractor and Subcontractor Worker Welfare Committee Meetings and demonstrate visible leadership through attendance at key Project activities such as management camp walk-throughs, award programs, worker welfare events.Lead the PMT/Subcontractor joint SHES Audit Teams in the planning and execution of Welfare audits and participate in these audits where necessary and provide subject matter expert input.Have a system in place to assess the fair treatment of workers on the Onshore Projects meeting the requirements with the Labor Law of the State of Qatar and International Human Rights, with a strong focus on the retention of identity documents, abuse, intimidations, harassment, restriction of movement, discrimination, workplace violence and bullying.Maintain and frequently review Worker Welfare performance data and generate performance reports, charts and graphs, and provide regular performance reports to the Major Projects, PMT and Leadership Teams and recommend improvement action plans with a risk-based approach.Closely monitor the Camp accommodation, food standards and worker’s welfare programs in all Camps, subcontractor accommodations through the labor supply chain and report deficiencies immediately to the Leadership Teams for intervention, in collaboration with PMT Camp Divisional Manager.Ensures that Worker Welfare related programs and protocols are sustained throughout the Project duration.These programs and protocols will include as a minimum Safety, Social capital and engagement, Industrial Hygiene, Camp operation and management standards, Mental Health, Human Rights, Grievance Management, and Grievance Resolution.Monitor and maintain the oversight of the operation of the Welfare Operation Centre.
Procestechnoloog
Location: Workum
Branche: Food Production
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 2 years
Zet jij data om in duurzame procesverbeteringen en wil je bijdragen aan babyvoeding van topkwaliteit? In deze sleutelrol als Procestechnoloog zorg je dagelijks voor een optimale balans tussen operationele continuïteit en structurele procesoptimalisatie. Je werkzaamheden bestaan uit: Analyseren van productieprocessen en identificeren van trends om verbeteringen door te voeren. Trouble shooting bij procesafwijkingen en het oplossen van grondoorzaken, onder andere bij indampers, membraanprocessen en droogtorens. Samenwerken met productie, onderhoud, R&D en externe partijen om nieuwe standaarden vast te leggen. Vertegenwoordiging van technologie in het dagelijks ochtendoverleg met productie. Meewerken aan kleinschalige projecten gericht op procesverbetering of innovatie.
Project Engineer
Location: Almere
Branche: Machine & Plant Design
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 1 years
Het ontwerpen van nieuwe oplossingen en aanboren van nieuwe industrieën (denk aan de Food en bulk).Engineering en optimalisering van bestaande en nieuwe producten.Klantvragen en behoeften vertalen naar de juiste oplossing.Technisch documenteren van producten.Aansturen van externe partijen zoals bv. engineersbureau ’s, machinebouwers, leveranciers enz. Ondersteuning, werkvoorbereider en aanspreekpunt van de montage afdeling.Hands-on mentaliteit en vindt het geen probleem om op alle niveaus bij te springen.
Quality Lab Technician
Location: Amersfoort
Branche: Life Sciences
Expertise: Research & Development
Experience: 2 years
Conducting experiments and tests on various materials, components, subsystems, and the entire Lattiz systemPerforming mechanical/physical measurements, thermal tests, strength-elongation tests, barrier tests, dimension measurementsMeasuring process conditions in the Lattiz machine and machine components (pressure, temperature, parameter variations, water flow)Measuring milk foam performance (foam height, bubble size, coffee and milk ratio, foam thickness)Conducting hygiene tests on the machine and packaging (color measurements, preparation of microbiological tests) and seal tests on the packagingCollecting and analyzing results from the experiments and reporting to the teamRecording results in a logical, accessible manner
Quality Control Manager
Location: Dubbo
Branche: Life Sciences
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 2 years
The Role As the Quality Control Manager, you will take ownership of quality control processes across all stages of production. You will play a key role in maintaining strict quality standards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and operational efficiency. You will: Develop and manage the company's Quality Management System (QMS) to align with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Lead and mentor the quality team to monitor product quality across production stages. Conduct audits and inspections to uphold compliance with company policies and industry regulations. Collaborate with production, supply chain, and R&D teams to enhance product quality and identify improvement opportunities. Investigate quality issues, customer complaints, and recalls, ensuring effective corrective actions. Maintain accurate documentation, including reports, procedures, and certifications. Stay ahead of industry trends and best practices, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of quality and compliance.
What do food scientists do?
food scientists are involved in various essential tasks to enhance and innovate the food industry. They collaborate with cross-functional teams, including food technologists, engineers, nutritionists, and marketers, to create and refine food products that meet consumer demands and comply with regulations.
In this role food scientists conduct research to understand consumer preferences, study market trends, and identify opportunities for new food product development. They work on designing experiments, conducting sensory evaluations, and analyzing data to optimize product formulations and manufacturing processes.
Additionally, they are responsible for ensuring that food products meet industry standards and adhere to food safety regulations. This involves conducting microbiological testing, evaluating food packaging, and implementing quality control measures.
Furthermore, food scientists contribute to the improvement of existing food products by conducting research on ingredient functionality, nutritional enhancement, and preservation methods. They play a vital role in addressing food-related challenges, such as food waste reduction, clean label formulations, and sustainable sourcing.
Staying updated with the latest advancements in food science, technology, and regulatory requirements is essential for food scientists. By integrating cutting-edge biotechnology in food practices, they can contribute to the growth and success of food-related research and innovation.
What are the required skills for a food scientist?
To excel as a food scientist, individuals must possess a diverse technical and non-technical skillset. Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities are essential for conducting experiments, analyzing data, and developing innovative food products. Excellent communication skills are necessary for collaborating with cross-functional teams, presenting research findings, and effectively conveying technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
Additionally, in-depth knowledge of food science principles, food chemistry, food microbiology, and food processing technologies are vital for ensuring the safety and quality of food products. Knowledge of nutrition and dietary requirements is also beneficial when designing healthier food options. Acute attention to detail and organizational skills are crucial for managing multiple projects and adhering to strict timelines in the fast-paced food industry.
Where do food scientists work?
food scientists can find job opportunities in various sectors, including food manufacturing companies, food biotechnology research and development laboratories, government agencies, and academic institutions. They may also work for food startups or collaborate with large food corporations to drive innovation in the food industry.
Common food scientist responsibilities
Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams in food research and development projects;
Conduct experiments and sensory evaluations to optimize food product formulations;
Analyze data and interpret results to improve food quality and safety;
Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and industry standards;
Research and identify opportunities for new food product development;
Improve existing food products through ingredient functionality and nutritional enhancements;
Contribute to food-related challenges, such as sustainability and food waste reduction;
Stay informed about the latest advancements in food science, biotechnology, and regulations;
Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders to drive food innovation and success.
Qualifications for food scientists
To become a food scientist, candidates should possess at least a Bachelor's degree in food science, food technology, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in food science or food technology are advantageous.
Other essential qualifications include:
- 2-4+ years of experience in food research and development or related fields;
- In-depth knowledge of food science principles, food chemistry, and food processing technologies;
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills;
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities;
- Attention to detail and organizational skills;
- Familiarity with food safety regulations and quality control measures;
- A passion for driving innovation in the food industry and contributing to advancements in food technology.
