Applications Food Scientist R&D Intern – Cargil Careers
Cargill, a global leader in food and agricultural solutions, invites passionate and curious students to join as Applications Food Scientist R&D Interns for Summer 2026. This internship provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in food research and development, product formulation, and ingredient innovation. Work alongside experienced scientists to bring innovative food ideas to life and make a real-world impact on how people are nourished around the globe. Apply for the Food Scientist Job at Cargill Careers. Join the R&D Internship and gain hands-on experience in food research and development.
Job Details:
- Position: Applications Food Scientist R&D Intern
- Location: Wichita, Kansas | Plymouth, Minnesota
- Category: Research & Development
- Job Type: Full-Time | Hourly
- Job ID: 315080
- Internship Duration: 12 Weeks (Summer 2026)
About the Company:
Cargill is a global family-owned organization that connects farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and communities with essential goods that sustain life. Operating in over 70 countries with 160,000 employees, Cargill is committed to nourishing the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. From food and agriculture to industry and environmental solutions, Cargill is dedicated to advancing innovation and fostering inclusive growth through its diverse workforce and global partnerships.
Educational Requirements for the Food Scientist Job:
- Currently pursuing a Bachelorโs or Masterโs degree in Food Science, Animal Science, Meat Science, or a related technical field.
- Must graduate between December 2026 and Summer 2028.
- Must have the right to work in the U.S. (not based solely on student or third-party sponsorship).
- Geographical flexibility to relocate to Plymouth, MN or Wichita, KS for the internship.
- A minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale is preferred.
Key Responsibilities of Food Scientist Job:
- Participate in R&D projects within Cargillโs Food or Protein Food Teams, applying scientific principles to real-world food system challenges.
- Conduct lab and pilot-scale experiments to test formulations, ingredient functionality, and product performance.
- Assist in developing and optimizing snack, bakery, dairy, and beverage formulations for customers or trade shows.
- Learn USDA guidelines, ingredient usages, sensory evaluation methods, and least-cost formulations.
- Engage in hands-on research to build knowledge about Cargill ingredients at the molecular and functional levels.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative food solutions that meet customer needs.
Your Internship May Take Place in One of the Following Areas:
- Food R/D Team: Researching how Cargill ingredients function in different snacks and bakery applications and processes. Creating new and innovative bakery, snack, dairy, and beverage formulations for customers and/or
tradeshows. - Protein Food R/D Team: In this position, summer interns will have the opportunity to work with our team of food scientists in our Protein business while learning new product development processes like formulation setup, USDA guidelines, understanding ingredient usages, shelf-life evaluation, experimental design, sensory
evaluation and least-cost formulations.
Your Work in the Food Scientist Job:
In this R&D Internship at Cargill Careers, you will be assigned to a project or multiple projects that will be substantive in nature and will create exposure to a variety of work activities. Interns will have the opportunity to:
- Gain immediate hands-on work experience in one of the worldโs largest agribusiness companies.
- Participate in orientation, networking, mentoring relationships and other opportunities targeted towards
personal and professional development. - Receive periodic and candid feedback on job performance.
Your internship projects will be in one of two areas: research or applications.
- Research Oriented Projects: Encompass applying scientific principles to build knowledge about food ingredients in our portfolio for use in finished food systems. Knowledge generated by the research group is typically used by our business units and customers to support development of new Cargill ingredients or customersโ finished products. The intern will work as part of a team on a variety of research projects focused
on using analytical chemistry and food material science to characterize functionality of food ingredients at the molecular level. - Applications Oriented Projects: Involve applying lab or pilot work on customer finished food systems.
Such applications work is typically done to meet a customer need and to support development of a new Cargill ingredient or product.
Internship Details:
Internships are typically 12 weeks in duration. Interns are paid hourly for time worked. Interns are responsible for transportation to and from work. Interns who demonstrate outstanding performance and a curiosity to learn more may be offered an internship, co-op or full-time position to return the following year.
Compensation:
The expected hourly rate for this position is $25.00 – $30.00. Compensation decisions are dependent on grad date
and eligibility for full-time employment.
How to Apply for the Food Scientist Job?
Interested students for this R&D Internship should submit their application through the official Cargill Careers Portal. Be sure to include your updated resume, academic transcript, and cover letter outlining your research interests and relevant coursework. Early applications are encouraged, as internship opportunities fill quickly.
