Scientists who specialize in the
design and manufacturing of flavor additives (e.g.
natural flavors,
artificial flavors). Flavorists draw on many areas of science (
biology,
psychology,
physiology,
organic chemistry) as well as "good taste".
Their primary employment is at companies that create the flavors of most of today's processed foods, including International Flavors and Fragrances, Givaudan, Haarmann and Reimer, and Takasago.
A sample job advertisement for a flavorist on Monster.com had the following teaser:
If you have a "taste" for adventure and want to continue in the flavorist training program in a highly respected international beverage company, this just may be what you're looking for.
Sources: Jan 2001 Atlantic Monthly, Monster.com web site