
Welcome to the working group Young Food Chemists (AG JLC)
We are a working group of the Food Chemical Society (LChG), a division of the German Chemical Society (GDCh). We represent food chemistry students and doctoral candidates at German universities, food chemists in their practical year as well as those starting their careers.
We aim to support the interests of young researchers, to encourage communication between universities and to make the profession of food chemists better known. Many companies are looking for employees who have precisely the skills of a food chemist, but are not aware that the degree program exists or do not know it well enough - we want to change that!
In order to achieve our goals, we are constantly expanding our established information network and try to encourage as many students as possible to actively participate in the AG JLC/LChG/GDCh. The regional groups meet once a month, while national meetings take place twice a year.
SALARY SURVEY IS IT A GOOD OFFER OR ARE YOU BEING RIPPED OFF?
What is the usual starting salary of a food chemist? And how much is it influenced by degree, sector or location? Many graduates face these questions at the beginning of their career. The customary salary surveys are often not helpful, as the qualifications you have after studying food chemistry are quite different from other chemistry study programmes. In order to solve this problem, we have already conducted two surveys ourselves with exceptionally large participation. After the first survey was conducted in 2014, we were able to present an updated and even more detailed data set in 2020, incorporating suggestions for improvement.
RESULTS OF THE AG JLC SALARY SURVEY FROM 2020/2021
POSTER OF THE AG JLC SALARY SURVEY FROM 2020/2021

FOOD CHEMISTRY YOU WANT TO STUDY FOOD CHEMISTRY?
Food chemists are experts when it comes to the ingredients, analysis and legal assessment of food, consumer goods and cosmetics. Food chemists work in similarly diverse fields as chemists.
FOR STUDENTS DON’T KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON? WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
As the study programme is regulated by the state Training Program and Examination Regulations of the individual federal states, there are some differences from one university to the next. Our study guide will tell you more!
AFTER GRADUATING PJ, PHD OR STARTING A CAREER
To help you to get off to a good start after graduating, we collected a few tips and some information for you. No matter whether you decide to start working directly or continue your studies with a PJ or PhD – we are here to help you!
PJ-Umfrage 2020 (German only)
ABOUT US THE LARGEST AND YOUNGEST WORKING GROUP OF LCHG
AG JLC is a voluntary working group which represents young food chemists and their interests in all educational and professional aspects and which offers them a possibility to network outside of their university.
Our organisation has been growing steadily since 1996 and has now around 250 members at 15 locations. No matter if you are studying, doing your PJ or your doctoral studies – anyone can join the Young Food Chemists. Even after starting your career, you can still stay a member for up to three years. You will get to know lots of new people outside your university and also gain access to our established information network.
To mark our 20th anniversary, we have published a chronic. Have a look!

Recent events Past events, have a look!
AG JLC offers many interesting events, whether regionally or nationally. Excursions to local companies to give you an insight into the industry beyond your studies, information evenings on all stages of the training as well as on starting a career, but also meetings with working groups from other universities for networking and exchange.
