In research, as in product development, creativity and curiosity are important qualities of a cereal chemist. These can be in a variety of other fields as well as cereal chemistry. During the extended training program, they become familiar with some of the more sophisticated analytical techniques or procedures that are used to study the biochemical components of cereals. Postgraduate education also provides a research worker with good training in experimental discipline. Teaching As in any professional or scientific area, cereal chemists have opportunities to teach.
Some universities have departments involved exclusively with cereal science.
At many other institutions, cereal science programs or courses are taught as part of food science or foods and nutrition programs. An academic career offers a cereal chemist the opportunity to do research as well as to work with students, both teaching them and guiding their research. As cereal chemists progress through their careers, many opportunities exist to diversify their skills or to apply their technical expertise in a nontechnical area. For example, a scientific background is often useful in sales, marketing, or nutrition services. Technical knowledge will assist in identifying a customer's needs and in effectively meeting them.