Assistant Food Technologist

Assistant Food Technologists plan the manufacturing of food and drink products. They work in a variety of settings, ranging from factories and laboratories to kitchens.

Assistant Food Technologist Job Description

Create large-scale recipe manufacturing processes and machinery capable of producing high-quality food products efficiently.

Modify and improve existing recipes based on feedback, new research, and evolving consumer preferences.

Liaise with the Marketing department to commercialise the products that accurately communicate their benefits.

Identify and choose products from suppliers, ensuring they meet the company's stringent quality, sustainability, and ethical standards.

Test and examine product samples to evaluate their quality, safety, nutritional content, and shelf life.

Note

Since Food Technologists are well-versed in product development, some of them go on to become Entrepreneurs who launch their own brands! While starting a business requires lots of hard work, passion will definitely take you a long way.

A day in the life

Food Technologist

Let Food Technologist Jia Ni show you her daily routine and how she conducts food experiments to come up with different food products.

What you should know about Assistant Food Technologist jobs in Singapore

Nature of Work

You will assist in the development and testing of new food products and work with Senior Technologists.

Key Advice

As Assistant Food Technologists, it is good to have critical problem-solving skills and do a detailed check if materials are available.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
Minimally a bachelor's degree or diploma in Food Science/Technology, Food/Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Nutrition, Microbiology or Chemistry.

Possessing Food industry work experience through job shadowing and networking often gives you an advantage!

While not always mandatory, certifications related to Food Safety Management Systems, Quality Assurance, or specific technical skills relevant to Food Technology can enhance your profile.
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue an Assistant Food Technologist career in Singapore

Hard Skills

Data Gathering Skills for New Product Specifications

Must be adept at meticulously collecting and analysing data.

Laboratory Skills

Frequently conduct experiments and tests to evaluate the quality, safety, and compliance of food products.

Food Hygiene and Safety

Ensure that all products are safe for consumption and meet regulatory standards.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail

Identify and address even the smallest variations in food quality and production processes.

Written and Verbal Skills

Document experiments, report results, and collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders.

Ability to Work In A Team

Coordinate and share insights with other professionals to achieve common goals.

“It combines science, technology and food together to make a positive impact to people's life.”

Jia Ni, Food Technologist

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What types of food products are in demand now and how do Assistant Food Technologists meet this need?

They contribute to modifying foods to create items such as fat-free products and meals that are higher in nutritional value. With the public's growing awareness of healthier food options, they work closely with the Product Development teams to meet the increased demand for such products. Keeping up with the ever-changing rules of food processing, dietary requirements and food trends is a crucial part of their work!
Can Assistant Food Technologists work in sectors outside of Food Manufacturing?

Aside from the Food Manufacturing sector, they may also work in Retail and the Public sector. In Retail, they will work with suppliers on quality issues and new product ideas. In the Public sector, they may work their way up by carrying out administrative tasks, devising policies for government departments and implementing enforcement roles in local authority environmental health departments.
What are the key skills and competencies needed to excel as Assistant Food Technologists?

Assistant Food Technologists must be analytical to analyse and interpret data from food samples, experiments, and quality control tests. They must pay attention to details to ensure accuracy in recipe development, product testing, and compliance with food safety standards.

Lastly, they must be able to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to food product development, quality control, and production processes.
What are the main challenges faced by Assistant Food Technologists in their work?

They must ensure consistent quality in food products and address variations in raw materials, production processes, and environmental factors. They must navigate complex and evolving food safety regulations, standards, and labelling requirements to ensure compliance in product development and manufacturing.

They also balance the demand for innovative food products while maintaining cost-effectiveness, scalability, and consumer acceptance.
What career advancement opportunities are available for Assistant Food Technologists in the Food industry?

After starting as Assistant Food Scientists, they can advance to Senior Food Technologists, Product Development Managers, Quality Assurance Managers and then Food Safety and Regulatory Affairs Managers!