Food Biotechnologist Science & Engineering Professionals
SaveWhat Does a Food Biotechnologist Do?
Food biotechnologists study the life cycle of food from its preservation up to the spoilage and the food-borne pathogens. They research and understand food-borne diseases in order to prevent them. They ensure that food products abide by government regulations regarding food health and safety.
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Where Do I Start?
Food Storage
The proper conditions and methods to store food to keep it from spoiling, taking into account humidity, light, temperature and other environmental factors.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Food Biotechnologist
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialFood Storage knowledge
The proper conditions and methods to store food to keep it from spoiling, taking into account humidity, light, temperature and other environmental factors.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialFood Legislation knowledge
Legislation related to the food and feed industry including food manufacturing, hygiene, safety, raw materials, additives, GMOs, labelling, environmental and trade regulations.
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EssentialFood Preservation knowledge
Deterioration factors, controlling factors (temperature, additives, humidity, pH, water activity, etc., including packaging) and food processing methods to preserve food products.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialFermentation Processes Of Food knowledge
Conversion of carbohydrates into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process happens using bacteria or yeasts, or a combination of the two under anaerobic conditions. Food fermentation is also involved in …
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialPathogenic Microorganisms In Food knowledge
The identification and characteristics of pathogenic micro-organisms in food and the adequate prevention methods to inhibit its reproduction in food materials.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialFood Safety Principles knowledge
Scientific background of food safety which includes preparation, handling, and storage of food to minimise the risk of foodborne illness and other health hazards.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialLegislation About Animal Origin Products knowledge
The applicable legal rules on temperature, waste materials, traceability, labelling, trading, and the transport of animal origin products.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFoodborne Diseases knowledge
Understand foodborne illnesses and poisoning as to prevent public health problems.
Recommended Books
3 booksCRC Handbook of Foodborne Diseases of Biological OriginCrc Handbook of Foodborne Diseases of Biological Origin -
EssentialFood Allergies knowledge
The types of food allergies within the sector, which substances trigger allergies, and how they can be replaced or eliminated (if possible).
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFood Science knowledge
The study of the physical, biological, and chemical makeup of food and the scientific concepts underlying food processing and nutrition.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialBiotechnology knowledge
The technology that uses, modifies or harnesses biological systems, organisms and cellular components to develop new technologies and products for specific uses.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFermentation Processes Of Beverages knowledge
Fermentation processes related to the conversion of sugar to alcohol, gases and acids.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFood And Beverage Industry knowledge
The respective industry and the processes involved in the food and beverage industry, such as raw material selection, processing, packaging, and storage.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFood Products Composition knowledge
Chemical and nutritional composition of food products, which enables the modification of existing products and processes and the development of new ones.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialIngredient Threats knowledge
Ingredients and potential risks which could damage humans, the flora and the fauna. Functions in ingredient formulas.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialLaboratory-Based Sciences knowledge
Laboratory based sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics, integrated science or advanced laboratory science.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialQuality Assurance Methodologies knowledge
Quality assurance principles, standard requirements, and the set of processes and activities used for measuring, controlling and ensuring the quality of products and processes.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialEnzymatic Processing knowledge
Enzymatic processes used in food production as well as in other industrial biotechnological processes.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFood Product Ingredients knowledge
Technical features of the formulation of ingredients for food products.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFood Toxicity knowledge
The causes of food poisoning and spoilage, and the preservation methods of food products so as to prevent toxicity from customers.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialAnalyse Samples Of Food And Beverages skill
Examine if food or beverages are safe for human consumption. Verify the right levels of key ingredients and the correctness of the label declarations and the levels of nutrients present. …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Gmp skill
Apply regulations regarding manufacture of food and food safety compliance. Employ food safety procedures based on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Haccp skill
Apply regulations regarding manufacture of food and food safety compliance. Employ food safety procedures based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Requirements Concerning Manufacturing Of Food And Beverages skill
Apply and follow national, international, and internal requirements quoted in standards, regulations and other specifications related with manufacturing of food and beverages.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Public Safety And Security skill
Implement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialIdentify The Factors Causing Changes In Food During Storage skill
recognize the most relevant factors (chemical, physical, environmental etc) that can alter the food during its storage
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialLead Process Optimisation skill
Lead process optimisation using statistical data. Design experiments on the production line and functional process control models.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPrepare Visual Data skill
Prepare charts and graphs in order to present data in a visual manner.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDetect Microorganisms skill
Use various laboratory methods and tools such as gene amplification and sequencing to detect and identify microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi in soil, air, and water samples.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialFollow-Up Lab Results skill
Analyse lab results and apply them by adapting the production process. Report, review and take appropriate measures if necessary.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialImprove Chemical Processes skill
Collect data required to make improvements or modifications to chemical processes. Develop new industrial processes, design new process plants/equipment or modify existing ones.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialKeep Up With Innovations In Food Manufacturing skill
Latest innovative products and technologies to process, preserve, package and improve food products.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialManage Discarded Products skill
Manage production stops due to insufficient product quality and manage associated waste issues within the scope of good manufacturing practices.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialManage Food Manufacturing Laboratory skill
Manage laboratory activities in the plant or factory and using the data to monitor the quality of manufactured products.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMonitor Developments Used For Food Industry skill
Identifying and exploring developments and innovation in technology and materials in the food industry.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMonitor Processing Conditions skill
Observe gauges, video monitors, and printouts to assess if specified processing conditions are in place. Make the necessary adjustments to process variables such as times, inputs, flow rates and temperature …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate Microscope skill
Operate a microscope, an instrument used to see objects that are too small for the naked eye to see.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Food Risk Analysis skill
Perform food risks analysis for food safety assurance.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Microbiological Analysis In The Food Chain skill
Perform analysis to detect different types of microorganisms, such as bacteria, moulds and yeasts in the food chain.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 27 displayed)
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OptionalFood Safety Standards knowledge
Food safety standards (i.e. ISO 22000) developed by the recognised organisations for Standardization dealing with food safety. For example, the ISO 22000 international standard specifies the requirements for an effective …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalRisks Associated To Physical, Chemical, Biological Hazards In Food And Beverages knowledge
Interpretation of laboratory tests for parameters affecting food safety taking into account risks associated with physical, chemical, and biological hazards in food and beverages.
Recommended Books
3 books -
OptionalFood Materials knowledge
Quality and range of raw materials, half finished products and end products of a specific food sector.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalStatistics knowledge
The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAdjust Production Schedule skill
Adjust work schedule in order to maintain permanent shift operation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAnalyse Work-Related Written Reports skill
Read and comprehend job-related reports, analyse the content of reports and apply findings to daily work operations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalApply Preservation Treatments skill
Apply common treatments to preserve the characteristics of food products taking care of their appearance, smell and taste.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalApply Scientific Methods skill
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalBe At Ease In Unsafe Environments skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCarry Out Environmental Audits skill
Use equipment to measure various environmental parameters in order to identify environmental problems and investigate manners in which they can be resolved. Perform inspections in order to ensure compliance with …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCheck Quality Of Products On The Production Line skill
Check products for quality on the production line and remove defective items before and after packaging.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop New Food Products skill
Conduct experiments, produce sample products, and perform research as part of new food product development (NPD).
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop Standard Operating Procedures In The Food Chain skill
Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in the food chain based on the production feedback. Understand current operating procedures and identify best techniques. Develop new procedures and update existing ones.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEnsure Compliance With Environmental Legislation In Food Production skill
Make sure to comply with environmental legislation in food production. Understand the legislation related to environmental matters in food manufacturing and apply it in practice.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEnsure Quality Of Final Product skill
Ensure that finished products meet or exceed company specifications.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalKeep Up-To-Date With Regulations skill
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current regulations and apply this knowledge in specific sectors.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Quality Audits skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWrite Work-Related Reports skill
Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalApply Food Technology Principles skill
Food technology: a branch of food science that deals with the production processes to make foods and improve processes aimed at processing foodstuffs.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssess Food Samples skill
Assess samples from a range of sources to draw analyses. For example, microorganisms detection, chemical analysis, and parasitological analysis.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssess Haccp Implementation In Plants skill
Assess the adequate implementation of HACCP in plants. Assure that plants are operating within the specifications of their written plans for HACCP, sanitation, and processing.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssess Shelf Life Of Food Products skill
Assess the shelf life of food products in a range of storage and packaging conditions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCarry Out Training In Environmental Matters skill
Perform staff training and ensure all members of the workforce understand how they can contribute to improved environmental performance.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCollect Briefing Regarding Products skill
Collect a comprehensive brief from internal and external customers regarding specific product requirements.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalFollow Laboratory Manuals skill
Follow laboratory manuals, documents with industry jargon, phrases and diagrams, allowing a quality controller to easily read and interpret these documents.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMonitor The Production Line skill
Monitor the production line for problems such as pile-ups and jams.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalParticipate In The Development Of New Food Products skill
Participate in the development of new food products together within a cross-functional team. Bring technical knowledge and perspective to the development of new products. Perform research. Interpret results for food …
Course recommendations coming soon.