R&D Intern - Soft Matter & Coffee Beverage Innovation (opens in new tab)

Nestle SA; Orbe; Hybrid; CHF 20,000 - 27,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid work options

Learning and development opportunities

Healthcare contribution and Employee 


Employee discounts across products and

Job summary

Nestlé Product Technology Center for Coffee in Orbe, Switzerland, is seeking an R&D Intern in Soft Matter & Coffee Beverage Innovation for a 6-month, hybrid placement starting February 2027. You will support a research project aimed at improving mouthfeel in coffee beverages, collaborating with sensory and lab teams and mentors to translate data into actionable recipes.

Ideal candidates are students or recent graduates in physics, physical chemistry, or food science with an interest in soft

Qualifications

• Be a student or fresh graduate in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Food Science or a related field.
• Knowledge of soft matter, rheology or related analytical methods is an asset.
• Ability to connect scientific concepts to practical product challenges.
• Hands-on, proactive, and comfortable experimenting in a laboratory environment while learning by doing.

Responsibilities

• Identifying and testing analytical approaches that help characterize mouthfeel in coffee-based beverages.
• Exploring scientific literature and internal knowledge to understand beverage structure, mouthfeel and creaminess
• Optimizing and implementing methods that connect laboratory measurements with sensory perception.
• Collaborating with product development and sensory teams to generate insights that support creamer and recipe optimization.
• Creating clear reports, study summaries and practical guidance for the team.

Skills

Soft matter knowledge

Rheology

Analytical methods

Lab experimentation

Education

Student or fresh graduate in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Food Science or a related field

Job description

R&D Intern - Soft Matter & Coffee Beverage Innovation

R&D Intern – Soft Matter & Coffee Beverage Innovation

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%

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 – Soft Matter & Coffee Beverage Innovation, your mission is to support a research project focused on improving mouthfeel in coffee-based beverages. You will make a difference by collaborating closely with sensory experts, product developers, laboratory teams and international research colleagues to develop and apply analytical methods that help guide recipe optimization. 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 – Soft Matter & Coffee Beverage Innovation

• Identifying and testing analytical approaches that help characterize mouthfeel in coffee-based beverages.
• Exploring scientific literature and internal knowledge to build a clear understanding of beverage structure, mouthfeel and creaminess
• Optimizing and implementing methods that connect laboratory measurements with sensory perception.
• Collaborating with product development and sensory teams to generate insights that support creamer and recipe optimization.
• Creating clear reports, study summaries and practical guidance that help the team apply your learnings beyond the project.

What will make you successful

• Being a student or fresh graduate in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Food Science or a related field
• Having knowledge of soft matter, rheology or related analytical methods would be an asset.
• Being able to connect scientific concepts to practical product challenges.
• Being hands-on, proactive and comfortable experimenting in a laboratory environment while learning by doing.
• Having an analytical mindset and the confidence to interpret data, communicate findings and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Fluent in English, French would be an asset.
• 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.

Stay vigilant: Nestlé will only contact candidates via official company email addresses and will never ask for payments or sensitive personal information at any stage of the hiring process.

Ready to start your career journey with us?

#nestlecareerswitzerland