R&D Intern - Powder Structure and Performance

Nestlé S.A.; Orbe; Hybrid; CHF 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Learning and development opportunities

Healthcare contribution

Job summary

Nestlé Product Technology Center for Coffee in Orbe, Switzerland invites applications for a six-month R&D Intern role focusing on the materials science of multicomponent powders. You will investigate how lipid and protein contents affect powder structure, dissolution, and flowability through experimental work and data analysis.

The project includes literature reviews, hypothesis testing, controlled experiments, and communication of results via a technical report and presentation to a technical

Qualifications

• Student or recent graduate in a science field related to materials, food science or engineering.
• Interest in powders, physicochemical characterization and data analysis.
• Strong hands-on laboratory skills and curiosity.

Responsibilities

• Review literature on multicomponent powders and composition–structure–property relationships.
• Define hypotheses linking lipid/protein composition to powder behavior.
• Design and conduct controlled experiments with relevant measurements.
• Characterize dissolution and flowability using quantitative methods.
• Apply statistics and graphs to identify correlations and trends.
• Communicate conclusions in a technical report and presentation.

Skills

Powder behaviour

Quantitative analysis

Laboratory work

English fluency

Independent work

Education

Materials Science

Food Science

Chemical Engineering

Process Engineering

Chemistry

Job description

R&D Intern - Powder Structure and Performance

Location: Orbe, Switzerland
Company: Nestlé Product Technology Center for Coffee
Work model: Hybrid
Contract type / duration: Internship – 6 months
Target start date: February 2027, flexible
Activity rate: 100%
Deadline for applications: 19 October, 2026

Be a force for good and transform your potential into something extraordinary

The Nestlé Product Technology Center for Coffee is a global center of expertise for coffee and beverage innovation. Our teams in Konolfingen, Orbe, Singapore and Marysville lead coffee and beverage research and development for Nestlé markets worldwide.

As a R&D Intern – Powder Structure and Performance, you will join a six-month project focused on the materials science of multicomponent powders. You will help the team investigate how compositional factors, including lipid and protein content, affect powder structure, dissolution and flowability, combining experimental characterization with quantitative data analysis to develop scientifically grounded composition–property relationships. This is your opportunity to make an impact while gaining hands on experience and mentorship to kick-start your career.

How you’ll make an impact as a R&D Intern – Powder Structure and Performance

• Review literature on multicomponent powders, interfacial phenomena and composition - structure - property relationships.
• Define testable hypotheses linking lipid and protein composition to powder behaviour.
• Design and conduct controlled experiments using relevant compositional, physicochemical and functional measurements.
• Characterize powder dissolution and flowability using reproducible quantitative methods.
• Apply statistical and graphical analysis to identify correlations, trends and governing parameters.
• Interpret the results mechanistically and communicate conclusions through a technical report and presentation.

What will make you successful

• Being a student or fresh graduate in Materials Science, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemistry or a related scientific field.
• Good understanding of powder behaviour, transport phenomena, interfacial science or physical and chemical characterization.
• Being curious, rigorous and hands-on, with enthusiasm for laboratory work, experimental design and developing new approaches to scientific questions.
• Having strong quantitative analysis and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaborate with varied technical partners.
• Communicating fluently in English; French is an advantage.
• Demonstrating courage, collaboration, speed and continuous learning, while translating ideas into measurable impact and creating shared value.

At Nestlé, we place people at the heart of everything we do

Our benefits are designed to support your growth and wellbeing, so you can thrive at work and in life:

• Flexible working options, including hybrid work possibilities (for office-based roles)
• Learning and development opportunities to grow your career
• Healthcare contribution and access to the Employee Assistance Program
• Attractive employee discounts across various products and services

What to expect from our hiring process

We are committed to an inclusive and respectful hiring experience and are happy to provide reasonable accommodations if needed. Our workplaces are fully accessible and supported by a strong safety culture, with modern installations and procedures to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

The hiring process typically includes an interview with Talent Acquisition, an interview with the hiring team, and a final discussion and offer. We review applications as they are received and close the role once a strong list of relevant candidates is identified, so we encourage you to apply early. All information is treated confidentially.