Fermentation Research and Development Intern

Job Description

Cargill: Nourishing the World

Cargill is a global leader in food, agriculture, and industrial products, driven by a purpose to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. With 160,000 colleagues operating in 70 countries, the company connects farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and families with daily essentials.

Fermentation Research and Development Internship

Cargill’s Core Research and Development (Core R/D) group offers an internship opportunity for students passionate about Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, or Fermentation. This internship provides a unique chance to apply classroom knowledge to a real-world business environment.

Your Work:

• You’ll be assigned one or two core projects, taking on the primary technical responsibility with leadership support from the Core R&D team.
• Gain immediate hands-on work experience in one of the world’s largest agribusiness companies.
• Participate in orientation, networking, mentoring relationships, and other personal and professional development opportunities.
• Receive regular feedback on your performance.

Our Programming:

• Leverage comprehensive learning resources to expand your knowledge.
• Participate in volunteer and community outreach activities with paid time off for volunteering.
• Connect with cross-functional interns and co-ops across the U.S. through various events.

Internship Details:

• Typical duration: 12 weeks
• Paid hourly for time worked
• Transportation to and from work is the intern’s responsibility

Our Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Mental health and well-being programs
• Digital learning library
• Housing and relocation assistance (for eligible candidates)
• Minnesota-based employees: Minnesota Sick and Safe Leave accruals of one hour for every 30 worked, up to 48 hours per calendar year (unless otherwise provided by law)
• Compensation: Expected hourly rate of $27.00 – $30.00 (dependent on graduation date and full-time employment eligibility)

Our Network:

• Develop relationships, acquire mentors, and build your professional network through our global network.
• Receive consistent support from university recruiting staff, mentors, colleagues, and your supervisor.

Our Vibrant Community:

• Be part of a vibrant global community that celebrates diversity and fosters an inclusive culture.
• Join Business Resource Groups (BRGs) to embrace diversity and enhance your talents and perspectives.

Job Location: Plymouth, MN

Required Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. in biotechnology, life science, engineering, or a related field, graduating between December 2025 and May 2027.
• Ability to complete a 12-week internship during the summer (May/June – August 2025).
• Geographic flexibility and willingness to relocate to Plymouth, MN for the internship.
• Practical research lab experience with bioinformatics, genomics/proteomics/metabolomics, biochemical engineering, fermentation, microbiology, and/or molecular biology techniques.
• Basic technical skills beyond coursework in omics, fermentation, microbiology, and/or molecular biology.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Strong initiative and resourcefulness in completing work with limited guidance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Demonstrated abilities in collaboration, communication, motivation, interpersonal effectiveness, teamwork, and successful project completion.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and technical skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet.