Description
Food Science Tech (Food Science Technician) works with food scientists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine the physical, chemical, and sensory properties of food and beverage products. Supports R&D, production technology, quality control, packaging, and processing while maintaining equipment, samples, and records to meet regulatory and safety standards.
- • Run standardized tests on foods, beverages, additives, and preservatives to verify color, texture, nutrients, and compliance.
- • Assist food scientists in R&D, production technology, and quality control activities.
- • Calculate moisture, salt, ingredient percentages, formulas, and other product metrics.
- • Record and compile test data; prepare charts, graphs, and reports.
- • Analyze results to classify products and compare to standards or specifications.
- • Conduct sensory checks (taste and smell) to confirm flavor specifications and select samples.
- • Examine samples microscopically to detect cell structures, bacteria, or foreign material.
- • Prepare reagents; mix, blend, or cultivate ingredients for tests or pilot runs.
- • Measure and test bottles, cans, and other packaging for hardness, strength, and dimensions.
- • Order and maintain laboratory and plant supply inventories.
- • Maintain testing records and regulatory documentation.
- • Monitor and control product temperatures during testing or processing.
- • Inspect, calibrate, clean, and sterilize laboratory equipment.
- • Train newly hired laboratory personnel on methods, SOPs, and safety.
- • Prepare and incubate slides and cell cultures.
- • Supervise other food science technicians or lab assistants.
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Agriculture
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
