Microbiology Quality Technician Internship – Summer 2026

Job Description

Here is a detailed breakdown of the provided job description:

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### About the Company

The Nestlé Quality Assurance Center (NQAC) is a vital component of Nestlé, dedicated to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of consumers across the nation. It offers a career path for individuals motivated by meaningful work that directly contributes to community welfare.

NQAC’s Core Mission & Services:
• Consumer Protection: Committed to being a “force of good,” NQAC safeguards consumer health.
• Comprehensive Testing: It provides extensive testing services to all of Nestlé’s production facilities and co-manufacturers.
• Standard Adherence: The primary goal is to ensure that all Nestlé food and beverage products meet the highest safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Strengthening Trust: As an organization, NQAC is driven by its mission to strengthen consumer trust in Nestlé products.

Workplace Culture:
NQAC fosters an environment where:
• Collaboration is essential.
• Courage is rewarded.
• Speed is expected.
• Agility is the norm.

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### Job Description: Microbiology Quality Technician Internship – Summer 2026

Job Title: Microbiology Quality Technician Internship – Summer 2026

Position Summary:
This internship position at NQAC Dublin, OH, plays a key support role within the Food Microbiology team. The intern is expected to perform functions with minimum supervision and deliver quality results promptly.

The primary objective of this role is to support NQAC Dublin’s mission of providing specialized laboratory services to guarantee Nestlé products are safe, compliant with all applicable regulatory requirements, and meet customer and consumer quality expectations.

Specifically, this intern will be involved in:
• Performing and documenting tasks related to sample processing and assays.
• Helping evaluate the quality of analytical performance across varied sample matrixes.
• Utilizing written operating procedures, standard laboratory methods, and/or basic laboratory techniques, functions, and equipment.
• Conducting specific procedures and tests within the lab, applying knowledge and practical skills gained on the job.
• Modifying or adapting techniques to address special needs or problems.
• Potentially assisting with specialized and non-routine tests and assays as experience allows.

Primary Responsibilities:

The intern will provide comprehensive support to the laboratory department by performing and/or coordinating a variety of laboratory processes, including:

• Sample Management:
• Registering and preparing samples for general analytical testing through data entry, weighing, and physical homogenization.
• Analytical Testing:
• Prepping and performing routine to more complex analyses in accordance with NQAC methods.
• Reading and accurately recording results of analyses, ensuring proper identification numbers are matched with samples.
• Equipment Operation:
• Operating basic laboratory equipment such as balances, pH meters, and autoclaves.
• Quality Assurance & Support:
• Assisting with the establishment and maintenance of QA documents, plans, and ICPs (Inter-Laboratory Comparison Programs) to assure the quality of results.
• Documenting QA data and reporting findings to lead technicians or management.
• Ensuring equipment is maintained in reliable working order, making repairs or modifications within the technician’s capability, or requesting necessary repairs.
• Process Improvement:
• Participating in or leading Lean Laboratory initiatives.
• Assisting in the review, improvement, and documentation of processes or methods, commensurate with experience.
• Training & Development:
• Attending internal and external training programs as assigned to enhance skills and knowledge.

Requirements and Minimum Education Level:

• Academic Background: Relevant academic coursework or 1 year of practical relevant experience in an analytical laboratory is highly preferred.
• Student Status: Must be a rising junior or senior (preferred).

Skills:

• Preferred Majors:
• Microbiology
• Biology
• Biochemistry
• Food Safety
• Any other STEM related majors.
• Technical Skills:
• Basic computer skills, specifically proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Language Skills:
• English Language Skills (Basic reading, writing, speaking, etc.).
• Soft Skills:
• Professionalism.
• Ability to perform trained tasks and strictly follow lab SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
• Contributes effectively to a team environment and builds strong relationships.
• Ability to learn new tasks within an expected timeframe.

Important Note: This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Nestlé emphasizes an inclusive workplace and encourages veterans, separated service members, and individuals with disabilities to apply, recognizing the valuable skills and perspectives they bring. Nestlé is an equal employment opportunity employer, providing fair consideration to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.