Food Science Careers

1 Lincoln University What is Food Science?

How to feed the world, protect the future and live well are universal concerns at the centre of Lincoln University’s mission. Food plays a key role in each of them. The production and availability of regular food supplies is of paramount importance to all humans. Specialisation in food science gives students a solid scientific grounding from which to build a career addressing issues around food: composition, nutrition, production, processing, sustainability, consumption, safety and supply.

The food science specialisation uses scientific principles to examine food and food-related manufacturing and processing practices. Students learn the biological and chemical makeup of food as well as about processes, such as social, political, environmental and economic factors, that affect food and its production, distribution and consumption. The scientific underpinning of the degree ensures that students are skilled in the utilisation of statistics and biometrics in experimental design and data analysis, and the ability to collect, synthesise and critically review data across a wide range of disciplines. Students graduate with a working knowledge of the scientific, industry and personal skills that professionals working in food science careers need. The programme’s close industry ties means that students can feel confident that their qualification is relevant and will see them industry- ready at graduation.

2 Lincoln University Food science in Skills and knowledge developed Skills and knowledge and the world by studying food science valued in food science roles: New Zealand has a shortage of Employers value the rigorous scientific scientists and technologists so career skills that Lincoln University graduates Rigorous scientific prospects for food science graduates have. The skills and knowledge methodology practices are good. Employment opportunities developed at Lincoln University are Competence in technical and are diverse; graduates may wish to relevant and practical, and are directly food safety compliance start in the lab, and from there the transferable to many workplaces. possibilities are endless. The amount Guest speakers from industry, together Knowledge of experiment and type of food related roles are only with problem-based active learning design, implementation limited by imagination. From primary tasks, ensure students have a hands-on and analysis production to laboratory research engagement with potential employers to management, demand is high for from the beginning of their studies. Knowledge of food safety qualified food scientists. Making the most of academic and standards and principles skills industry connections while studying Ability to prioritise workload Increasing food production in a is encouraged so that students are way that is sustainable concerns well-placed to build on their skills and IT and report writing skills policymakers worldwide, and to knowledge in their future place Analytical and critical thinking achieve both aims seems incompatible. of work. But as innovations occur in the name Innovative thinking of achieving sustainable growth, Employers seek well-rounded, Knowledge of laboratory new roles and opportunities arise, engaged graduates with a strong practices and procedures particularly in food technology. In work ethic. As in any sector, countries with developed economies, employers value those with a Relationship building the nutritional content of food, and professional attitude. This includes and negotiation skills its safe supply to meet consumers’ good communication (including the Solution-focussed attitude many and varied needs means that ability to communicate to groups, as expansion is projected for roles in well as effective interpersonal and Numerical and product innovation. written communication), honesty, quantitative skills self-motivation, initiative, time Knowledge of chemical and New Zealand’s reputation as an management, and flexibility. The biological properties of food exporter of high quality produce importance of these basic skills cannot means that roles are available be underestimated, even in voluntary Meticulous attention to detail worldwide, wherever our products go, or internship roles, as future job and where new markets are forecast. opportunities often arise from a good The multinational groups driving reputation and a varied network this expansion require not just food of contacts. scientists, but those with interests across all sectors that support food production, distribution, storage and sale.

3 Lincoln University Where can food science Food science job titles graduates find work? Academic Lecturer/ Professor Scientist - Bacteriology Places of employment for food science Advisor Compliance Microbiologist graduates include: and Investigation Nutritionist • Government departments or bodies Applications Technologist Production/Food Processing (e.g., Ministry for Primary Industries Team Leader/Manager (MPI), New Zealand Customs Service, Associate Research Technologist Pharmaceutical Technician New Zealand Food Safety Authority) Bioanalytical Officer • Crown Research Institutes (e.g., Pharmaceutical Sales National Institute of Water and Biochemist Representative Atmospheric Research Ltd. (NIWA), Biosecurity Officer Plant and Food Researcher Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), Scion, Landcare Brewer/ Distiller Postharvest Technologist Research, AgResearch, GNS Science, Cereal Scientist Product Developer Plant and Food Research) • Local/ regional government Chemical Engineer Product Development Scientist/ Specialist /Technologist (e.g., Auckland Council, Greater Dietician/Dietetics Specialist Wellington Regional Council, Nelson Public Health Officer City Council) Education/Outreach Officer Quality Assurance Officer/ • Private consultancy, recruitment, Environmental Health Officer Assistant/ Manager/ Coordinator research or services firms (e.g., Scientific And Technical Flavour Chemist Quality Manager Recruitment, Food Inc., Eurofins Food Biochemist Quality Systems and NZ Laboratory Services Ltd., Compliance Coordinator AsureQuality, ) Food Engineer • Food processing, manufacturing or Quarantine Officer Food Inspector exporting companies (e.g., Talleys, Regulatory Affairs Officer Synlait Milk, Heinz Wattie’s, Silver Food Labelling Technologist Research and Development Fern Farms, Tegel Foods, Turners Food Product Developer Technologist and Growers (T&G), Oceania Dairy, Foodstuffs, ANZCO Foods, RJ’s Food Product Development Adviser Research Scientist/ Licorice, Silver Fern Farms, Griffins Food Safety and Quality Leader Associate/ Technologist Foods, Kraft Heinz, Mars New Zealand, Davis Food Ingredients, Food Safety Auditor/Evaluator/ Risk Manager Officer Coordinator Goodman Fielder, Talleys Group, Safety Inspector Danone) Food Scientist • Tech Industries (e.g. Callaghan Sales Representative/Executive Food Technologist Innovation, Lincoln Agritech, Intech Scientific Sales Representative Instruments Ltd.) Food Toxicologist - Food and Wine • Beverage or brewing companies Improvement Technologist (e.g. Zealong Teas, Nestlé, Fonterra, Sensory Evaluation Expert Laboratory Technician Monteith’s Brewing Company, DB Sports Nutritionist Breweries, Frucor Beverages, Lion Lecturer in Food Science New Zealand) Technology Development Manager Management Cadet/Trainee • Tertiary Education Sector (e.g. Teaching Technician Lincoln University) Manufacturing Technician in Food Science • Analytical Testing Laboratories Medical Laboratory and Chemical companies (e.g. Hill Technical Officer Laboratories, Eurofins, Ecolab, Ixom, AsureQuality, Chemiplas) • Regulatory Bodies (e.g. New Zealand Food Safety Authority NZFSA, Food Standards Australia New Zealand FSANZ)

4 Lincoln University Pay rate indications: full time Job title Indicative pay equivalent (FTE) $NZ per annum Research Scientist (graduate) From 43,000 Most starting salaries for graduates Food Technologist 50,000 – 90,000+ of bachelor degrees fall between 40,000 - 55,000. Entry level jobs are Quarantine Inspector/ Officer 49,000 – 62,000 stepping stones to roles with increased Biosecurity Officer 40,000 – 70,000 responsibilities and remuneration. Your Laboratory Technician 40,000 – 65,000 employability is enhanced by all of your life experiences, be they employment Pharmaceutical Technician (starting salary) 43,000 – 47,500 related, or the transferable skills and Microbiologist (early career) 38,000 – 75,000 competencies gained from community Microbiologist (late career) 76,000 – 130,000 involvement, volunteer work, or previous work or study- all of which can Food Safety/ Quality Assurance Officer 35,000 – 65,000 grow competency, expand networks, Academic Lecturer/ Professor 74,000 – 120,000+ and demonstrate enthusiasm to future Quality Controller 38,000 – 60,000 employers.

Food science tasks Job tasks are role-specific, so the lsit is an indication only. For more information The following list includes the types of tasks that a food technologist might on roles, registered Lincoln University undertake. students can search Lincoln CareerHub (including expired jobs) for job titles Gather test samples of food products similar to those they are interested in. Interpret sample results Job descriptions, including tasks and skills required, are often available. Devise ways of improving efficiency in processes Develop food packaging Ensure quality and safety specifications are met Develop prototypes to meet product briefs Investigate the nutritional properties of foods Write up research tailored to specific stakeholders Conduct laboratory tasks/ trials Operate and maintain scientific equipment Present experimental findings to colleagues or stakeholders Use computer software to analyse or present data Product testing Checking ingredient specifications Operate within a budget Microbiological compliance testing Monitor and report on performance Adhere to HACCP and/or ISO quality systems Nutrient mapping Liaise with internal and external stakeholders

5 Lincoln University Graduate profiles

Clair MacMillan Sheen Cai Dan Aubrey Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science, Food Science major Food Science major Food Science major Offshore Sales Executive, Chilled Laboratory Technician, Oceania Compliance Manager, UK/Europe, ANZCO Foods Dairy AsureQuality Ltd.

Industry bodies New Zealand Food and Grocery Council Membership of an industry specific www.fgc.org.nz body enhances the professional status of students and employees. By Food Technology New Zealand joining a professional body, members www.foodtechnology.co.nz can research career options, access Plant and Food Research training and events, and network and www.plantandfood.co.nz collaborate with industry colleagues at all levels. Brewers Guild of New Zealand www.brewersguild.org.nz Examples of food science industry bodies include: New Zealand Feed Manufacturers Association New Zealand Institute of Food www.nzfma.org.nz Science and Technology New Zealand Food & Grocery Council www.nzifst.org.nz www.fgc.org.nz Food Standards Australia New New Zealand Beverage Council Zealand www.nzbc.nz www.foodstandards.gov.au Meat Industry Association New Zealand Food Safety Authority www.mia.co.nz www.foodsafety.govt.nz New Zealand Seafood Industry Food Inc. Food Industry Consultants Council www.foodinc.co.nz www.seafood.co.nz

Michelle Ash Careers and Employment Library, Teaching and Learning E: [email protected] P: +64 3 423 0331

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