R&D Consumer Science Placement

Mondelez; Stirchley; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff shop discount

On-site gym membership discount

Online GP services

Job summary

Mondelez International in the UK offers a 12‑month R&D Internship in Taste The Future, giving hands‑on experience in consumer science and chocolate product development. You’ll work with experienced scientists, support the full product lifecycle, and influence global snacking innovations.

You’ll gain practical skills in sensory research, data analysis, and cross‑functional collaboration, with mentoring and global stakeholder interaction.

Qualifications

• Education: pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Food Science, Engineering or a scientific discipline with a 2:1 predicted grade.
• Strong analytical, communication and presentation abilities.
• Proactive, motivated team player who thrives on new challenges and can work autonomously.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt quickly, with collaboration across teams.
• Interest in sensory science, food trends and product development is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Understand the Consumer Science toolbox and its application across project types.
• Support daily sensory work including test prep and panel recruitment.
• Train sensory panels and produce technical reports with recommendations.
• Lead sensory and consumer research for chocolate products using trend and data methods.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Product, Procurement and Manufacturing to develop consumer-loved products.
• Develop competencies in sensory/consumer software and lab management tasks.

Skills

Education prerequisites

Analytical skills

Communication

Presentation

Teamwork

Initiative

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Food Science/Engineering or related field

Job description

About the role

Are you studying towards a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, or other scientific discipline (e.g., Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Food & Nutrition, Physical Sciences, Materials Science, Physics, Culinary.

Do you want a taste of the career you could have with Mondelez? Sink your teeth into one of our sweet internships.

Our R&D Internships - Taste The Future Program UK are 12 months long (although some roles have the flexibility to be shorter) and during your placement, we’ll make you an integral part of our team and give you a real job – with real responsibilities – from day one. We hope to help you expand your horizons and encourage your personal and professional development.

We want to make sure you get the most from your time with us. That’s why once you join we’ll work out ambitious but achievable goals for you. Then through the support of a mentor and regular reviews with your manager, we’ll help you achieve them.

Life in Research Development Quality (RDQ):

As an intern in R&D at Mondelēz International, you’ll take ownership of projects. You will contribute to the future of snacking by keeping the consumer at the heart of our innovation. Deliverables may include producing technical reports and presentations, sharing insights with stakeholders and fostering transparency and collaboration. You will have the opportunity to work with the broader RDQ community, business functions, and external suppliers, building your network and confidence. Beyond your primary project, you may support ongoing activities, gaining diverse experiences and contributing to a sustainable future. For some roles, occasional international travel may be required.

About the role:

This R&D Consumer Science Internship - Taste The Future Program UK offers a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in the exciting world of food innovation. As an R&D Intern, you'll work alongside experienced food scientists and product developers, contributing to the creation and improvement of some of the world's most beloved snack brands. This is a chance to learn about the entire product development lifecycle and work with global and regional stakeholders to drive innovation, product quality, productivity and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work to understand the Consumer Science toolbox and how and why we apply different methodologies for different project types
• Support daily sensory work, including test preparation and execution with hands on experience with recruitment of sensory panels
• Conduct training for our sensory panels, collecting, analysing and producing technical reports/presentation and offer recommendations to support our global research programmes
• Lead sensory and consumer research for new and existing chocolate products for our most loved brands using trend research, qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Opportunities to interact with consumers virtually or digitally to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Work with other cross functional teams in the business e.g., Marketing, Product and Process development, Procurement & Manufacturing, Ingredient Research and Technical Experts to develop products that are loved by the consumer.
• Develop competencies in sensory and consumer software
• Other responsibilities will be to assist with Lab Management: samples, consumables and safe running of the lab

What we're looking for:

• Education: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Engineering, or other scientific discipline (e.g., Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Food & Nutrition, Physical Sciences, Materials Science, Physics, Culinary) with a predicted grade of a 2:1 - (or equivalent).
• Communication skills: Demonstrates strong analytical, communication and presentation abilities.
• Technical Rigour: Able to apply scientific approach to new situations whilst maintaining a well thought out approach.
• Initiative: A pro-active and highly motivated team player who thrives on new challenges, building relationships, and working autonomously.
• Agility: Able to manage multiple tasks, adapt quickly, and respond to feedback constructively.
• Collaborative Mindset: Comfortable working in diverse teams with project managers, marketers, scientists, engineers, and suppliers.
• Creativity & Curiosity: You love to explore, ideate, and challenge the norm. You’re not afraid to ask, “what if?”. You show eagerness to grow and learn and bring fresh ideas.

Additional desirable skills

• Passion/inquisitiveness about food, sensory science, food trends, nutrition, wellbeing and food production.

What you’ll gain:

It’s the people that makes Mondelez a great place to work and there is a comprehensive onboarding and training plan with buddies on hand to fully support your time with us.

• Hands‑on experience of the Consumer Science process in a leading global snacking company's R&D team.
• Technical skills in sensory and consumer research.
• The opportunity to network with experienced scientists and engineers in the food industry in a diverse and multicultural environment.
• Contribute to the development of innovative and exciting new products.
• Additional benefits: Access to discounted staff shop, discounted on‑site gym membership and online GP services.
• Opportunity to experience and influence the diverse MDLZ culture by engaging in various voluntary activities and site initiatives to help the community and bring the MDLZ R&D community together.
• Starting salary: £23,793

A word from one of our early career’s employees:

"Working in Consumer Science is exciting and highly rewarding. Our role is to ensure that every product decision is grounded in real insight, representing the voice of the consumer."

You’ll gain hands‑on experience in sensory and consumer research methodologies, learning about how set up and design research tests while getting familiar with ways of working in our labs. The role also involves critically analysing data and translating findings into strategic recommendations that genuinely shape business decisions. It's incredibly rewarding to see your work influence what ends up on shelf.

Typically you will work alongside global teams in Product Development and wider R&D - building a foundation of technical expertise in chocolate development. I had the opportunity to lead chocolate tasting sessions with panellists, guiding them through flavour and texture profiling.

Beyond the technical, the soft skills you develop are just as valuable. Presenting findings sharpens communication skills and managing multiple projects builds your organisation and time management. You leave the year not only with a deeper understanding of the FMCG industry but with a confidence and professional toolkit that sets you up for whatever comes next.

Application information

This position does not meet the minimum salary requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Therefore, we are unable to consider applicants who require sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.

Closing date for applications is midday Monday 12 October 2026.

We will be holding our final stage assessment center for this role in‑person at our Bournville offices on Monday the 23th & Tuesday the 24th of November 2026. Reasonable travel expenses will be covered.

For more details on our Early Careers schemes and advice on our application process, visit our careers site today - Early Careers - UK | Mondelēz International, Inc. (mondelezinternational.com)

We celebrate diversity, so if you require any adjustment to take part in our hiring process, let us know and we will work with you to help remove barriers and make the process accessible. You never have to disclose more than you're comfortable with - just tell us what you need. Please see the details on our dedicated D&I careers page.

Our candidate requirements are based on criteria to enable you to succeed in the role. If you have narrowly missed the above requirements and there are extenuating circumstances that you would like us to consider, you can let us know by contacting [e-mail] stating “UK&I Early Careers” as the subject and attaching a letter from your school/university to confirm your extenuating circumstances.