Ingredient Chemistry Research and Development Internship

Job Description

Cargill: Nourishing the World, One Ingredient at a Time

Cargill is a global leader in food, agriculture, and industrial products, committed to nourishing the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. With over 160,000 colleagues in 70 countries, they connect farmers to markets, customers to ingredients, and families to daily essentials. Cargill believes in the power of real-world experience and provides internship opportunities for students to learn from the best and see the impact of their work on a global scale.

Ingredient Chemistry Research and Development Internship:

This internship, located within the Ingredient Chemistry team at Cargill’s Research and Development function, offers students with a food chemistry background the chance to apply their classroom knowledge in a business environment. The program aims to provide students with the opportunity to learn and collaborate with Cargill’s business units and functions to develop solutions for customers.

The internship involves:

• Global Core R/D Team: This team focuses on research in areas such as Ingredient Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Characterization, Nutrition, Biology, Fermentation, and Food Safety.
• Projects: Interns will work on developing novel chemical and material characterization methods, processing techniques, and product analyses. Projects can vary, but typically focus on new ingredient or process method development, or building tools to understand Cargill products and processes.
• Learning and Development: Interns will participate in company and community events, receive regular feedback, and have the opportunity to present their learnings to management and peers.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Gaining hands-on experience in one of the world’s largest agribusiness companies.
• Participating in orientation, networking, mentorship, and development opportunities.
• Receiving feedback on job performance.
• Contributing to research that applies scientific principles to build knowledge about food ingredients, focusing on using analytical chemistry and food material science to characterize functionality at the molecular level.

Cargill’s internship program offers:

• Comprehensive learning resources: Access to digital learning libraries and various programs to support professional growth.
• Volunteer opportunities: Paid time off for volunteer activities.
• Networking opportunities: Connect with leadership, cross-functional interns, and other professionals across the US.
• Financial benefits: Paid hourly for time worked.
• Access to resources: Mental health and wellbeing programs, housing and relocation assistance (for eligible individuals).
• Strong network: Build professional relationships, acquire mentors, and establish valuable connections.
• Vibrant community: Become part of a diverse global community with a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications:

• Required: Right to work in the US, currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree (graduating between December 2025 and Summer 2027) or a Master’s/Doctorate degree (graduating after December 2025) in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related technical science. Ability to complete a 12-week internship in the summer (May/June – August 2025). Geographic flexibility and willingness to relocate to Plymouth, MN. Proven ability to work with diverse individuals. Initiative and resourcefulness. Familiarity with wet chemistry and analytical methods. Experimental research experience with food ingredients.
• Preferred: GPA of 3.0 or higher, ability to manage multiple priorities, problem-solving skills, leadership and technical skills, collaboration and communication abilities, teamwork experience, research experience in development of food ingredients, experience in method development, knowledge of formulation science and design of experiments relevant to food matrix systems.

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

Overall, the Cargill Ingredient Chemistry Research and Development Internship offers a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable experience, learn from industry experts, and contribute to the global food system. This internship provides a platform for aspiring food scientists and chemists to develop their skills, make a real impact, and launch their careers.