Food Science Internship in the USA at Cargill
Looking for a transformative Food Science Internship that launches your global career? This exciting Internship in USA with Cargill Jobs offers hands-on experience as an R&D Intern in one of the world’s leading food and agriculture companies. If you’re seeking an internship opportunity for life science graduates, this role provides the perfect blend of research, innovation, and real-world impact in food science and product development.
About Cargill
Cargill operates at a global scale with a purpose to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. The company provides food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products essential for living. It connects farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and families with everyday essentials ranging from food products to industrial goods. With approximately 160,000 employees across 70 countries, Cargill produces essential goods that impact billions of lives daily.
Internship Details:
- Intern Title: Applications Food Scientist R&D Intern
- Job ID: 315080
- Location: Wichita, Kansas | Plymouth, Minnesota
- Category: Research & Development
- Job Status: Hourly Full Time
- Duration: Typically 12 weeks
- Timing: Summer (May/June – August 2026)
- Transportation: Interns are responsible for commuting
- High-performing interns may receive offers for future internships, co-ops, or full-time roles
Internship Overview
The Applications Food Scientist Research and Development Internship is designed to provide students with real-world experience and prepare them for future careers. Interns are immersed in a professional environment that fosters learning, skill development, and collaboration. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, access to learning resources, mentorship, and exposure to leadership.
Internship Objective
The Research and Development (R&D) function provides students with a background in Animal and/or Food Science the opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a business setting. Interns collaborate with various Cargill business units and functions to develop solutions for customers.
Internship Areas
Food R&D Team:
- Conducts research on how Cargill ingredients function in snacks and bakery applications.
- Develops innovative formulations for bakery, snack, dairy, and beverage products for customers and tradeshows.
Protein Food R&D Team:
- Provides experience in product development processes such as formulation setup, USDA guidelines, ingredient usage, shelf-life evaluation, experimental design, sensory evaluation, and least-cost formulation.
- Offers collaboration with food scientists in the protein business.
Key Responsibilities
Interns are assigned one or more substantive projects that provide exposure to diverse work activities, including:
- Gaining hands-on experience within a global agribusiness company.
- Participating in orientation, networking, mentoring, and development programs.
- Receiving regular feedback on performance.
Projects are categorized into:
Research-Oriented Projects:
- Apply scientific principles to understand food ingredient functionality.
- Use analytical chemistry and food material science to study ingredients at the molecular level.
- Support the development of new ingredients and finished food products.
Applications-Oriented Projects:
- Conduct laboratory or pilot work on finished food systems.
- Address customer needs and support the development of new ingredients or products.
Program Features
- Access to comprehensive learning resources.
- Participation in volunteer and community outreach programs, including paid volunteer time off.
- Opportunities to engage with leadership and network with interns and co-ops across the United States.
Benefits
- Paid time off
- Mental health and wellbeing programs
- Digital learning library
- Housing and relocation assistance (for eligible candidates)
- Minnesota-based interns accrue Sick and Safe Leave at one hour per 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours annually, unless otherwise required by law
Compensation
- Expected hourly rate: $25.00 – $30.00
- Compensation is based on graduation date and eligibility for full-time employment
Professional Development & Network
Interns receive ongoing support from mentors, supervisors, and recruiting staff. The program facilitates relationship-building, mentorship, and networking opportunities to support long-term career growth.
Workplace Culture
Cargill fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment supported by Business Resource Groups (BRGs), including:
- Asian Alliance Network
- Cargill Young Professionals Network
- Cargill Ability Network (iCAN)
- Cargill Ebony Council
- Indigenous Peoples Network (IPN)
- Hispanic-Latino Council
- Cargill Pride Network
- Veterans & Military Support Network
- Cargill Women’s Network
Required Qualifications
- Authorization to work in the United States not solely based on a student visa or third-party employer sponsorship
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, or a related technical discipline, with graduation between December 2026 and Summer 2028
- Ability to complete a 12-week summer internship (May/June – August 2026)
- Willingness to relocate to Plymouth, MN or Wichita, KS
- Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds
- Demonstrated initiative and resourcefulness with minimal supervision
Preferred Qualifications
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and workload effectively
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Demonstrated leadership and technical abilities
- Strong collaboration, communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
