Food Science Research and Development Internship

Job Description

About Cargill:

Cargill is a global leader in food, agriculture, industrial, and financial markets. They are a family-owned company with a purpose to “nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way.” They provide essential products like food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products that impact billions of lives daily.

Cargill operates in 70 countries with 160,000 employees. They are committed to connecting farmers with markets and customers with ingredients, ensuring the prosperity of both. Their product portfolio includes everything from eggs and edible oils to salt, skincare, feed, and alternative fuels.

Food Science Research and Development Internship:

This internship program at Cargill is designed to provide students with food-related academic backgrounds the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to a real-world business setting. The program focuses on providing solutions to customers through hands-on experience with Cargill’s business units and functions.

Internship Locations: Plymouth, MN or Wichita, KS

Duration: 12 weeks in the summer (May/June – August 2025)

Compensation: $24.00 – $29.00 per hour, depending on graduation date and full-time employment eligibility.

Program Highlights:

• Gain real-world experience: Work on substantive projects within one of the world’s largest agribusiness companies.
• Learn from the best: Receive guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals.
• See how your work matters: Contribute to global solutions through your projects.
• Develop your skills: Participate in orientation, networking events, and personal development opportunities.
• Receive feedback: Receive regular feedback on your performance.
• Network with professionals: Establish valuable connections and build your professional network.
• Gain access to resources: Utilize comprehensive learning resources, including digital libraries and mentorship programs.
• Contribute to the community: Participate in volunteer and community outreach activities.
• Experience a vibrant culture: Be part of a diverse and inclusive global community at Cargill.

Project Areas:

• Research: Focuses on applying scientific principles to gain knowledge about food ingredients in Cargill’s portfolio for use in finished food systems. This includes working on projects involving analytical chemistry and food material science to characterize the functionality of ingredients at a molecular level.
• Applications: Involves applying lab or pilot work on customer finished food systems. This work is typically done to meet customer needs and support the development of new Cargill ingredients or products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in assigned projects related to research or applications in the food science field.
• Apply knowledge gained from academic studies to real-world challenges.
• Contribute to the development of new ingredients, processes, and products.
• Conduct research, analyze data, and generate reports.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to achieve project goals.
• Participate in presentations and share your findings with colleagues and management.
• Embrace opportunities for professional development and networking.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Right to work in the U.S. (not based solely on a student visa or a third-party employer-sponsored visa)
• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree (graduating between December 2025 and Summer 2027) or a Master’s or Doctorate degree (graduating after December 2025) in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related technical science degree.
• Ability to complete a 12-week internship in the summer (May/June – August 2025).
• Geographic flexibility and willingness to relocate to Plymouth, MN or Wichita, KS for the internship.
• Proven ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• High degree of initiative and resourcefulness in completing work with limited guidance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
• Ability to prioritize and manage a large workload with multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and technical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate, communicate, motivate, and work effectively as part of a team.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Cargill is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet.