Food Science Research and Development Internship

Description

About Cargill

Cargill is a global leader in food, agriculture, and industrial products, with a purpose to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way.

Key Highlights:

• Family Company: Cargill operates as a family company, providing essential products that touch billions of lives daily.
• Global Reach: With 160,000 colleagues operating in 70 countries, Cargill connects farmers to markets and customers to ingredients.
• Diverse Product Portfolio: Cargill offers a wide range of products, including food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products.
• Commitment to Sustainability: Cargill emphasizes sustainable practices and responsible sourcing.

Food Science Research and Development Internship

This internship offers students with a food-related academic background the chance to apply their classroom knowledge to a real-world business environment. The program aims to provide practical experience and problem-solving opportunities within Cargill’s business units and functions.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Food R/D Team: This team researches ingredient functionality in various food applications (snacks, bakery, etc.) and develops new formulations for customers and tradeshows.
• Global Core R/D Team: This team focuses on research in areas like ingredient chemistry, material science, nutrition, fermentation, and food safety. Interns will work on projects like developing novel characterization methods, processing techniques, and product analyses.

Internship Experience:

• Project Assignments: Interns will be assigned substantive projects involving research or application of scientific principles.
• Hands-on Experience: Gain immediate practical experience in one of the world’s largest agribusiness companies.
• Development Opportunities: Participate in orientation, networking events, mentoring relationships, and professional development initiatives.
• Feedback and Support: Receive regular feedback on job performance and have access to support from mentors, supervisors, and university recruiting staff.
• Presentation Opportunity: Present a summary of your learnings and experiences to management, colleagues, and peers at the end of the internship.

Types of Internship Projects:

• Research: Projects focused on applying scientific principles to build knowledge about food ingredients for use in finished food systems.
• Applications: Projects involving lab or pilot work on customer finished food systems to address customer needs and support the development of new Cargill ingredients or products.

Programming and Benefits:

• Comprehensive Learning Resources: Access to extensive digital learning resources and internal training opportunities.
• Volunteer and Community Outreach: Opportunities to participate in volunteer activities and community engagement.
• Paid Time Off: Eligible for paid time off, including sick leave and safe leave for Minnesota-based employees.
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Program: Access to support programs for mental health and well-being.
• Housing and Relocation Assistance: Assistance with housing and relocation costs (for eligible candidates).

Compensation:

• Expected hourly Rate: $24.00 – $29.00
• Compensation Factors: Graduate date and eligibility for full-time employment.

Networking and Community:

• Global Network: Build relationships, acquire mentors, and establish professional contacts through Cargill’s global network.
• Business Resource Groups (BRGs): Participate in BRGs focused on diversity, inclusion, and employee engagement.
• Vibrant Community: Be part of Cargill’s diverse and inclusive global community.

Internship Locations:

• Plymouth, MN
• Wichita, KS

Eligibility:

• Right to Work: Must have the legal right to work in the U.S., not based solely on a student visa.
• Academic Background: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree (graduating between December 2025 and Summer 2027) or Master’s/Doctorate degree (graduating after December 2025) in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related technical science field.
• Internship Duration: Must be able to complete a 12-week internship in the summer (May/June – August 2025).
• Flexibility and Relocation: Must be geographically flexible and willing to relocate to Plymouth, MN or Wichita, KS for the internship.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Must be comfortable working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Initiative and Resourcefulness: Demonstrated ability to work independently and solve problems with limited guidance.

Preferred Currently pursuings:

• GPA: Overall 3.0 GPA preferred (on a 4.0 scale).
• Prioritization and Management: Proven ability to handle multiple priorities and manage a large workload effectively.
• Problem Solving and Decision-Making: Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Leadership and Technical Skills: Demonstrated leadership qualities and technical proficiency.
• Collaboration and Communication: Excellent communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Cargill is an equal opportunity employer, including disability/veteran status.