Research & Development Intern

Müller UK & Ireland; Market Drayton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Müller UK & Ireland invites applications for a 13-month Research & Development Intern placement based in Market Drayton, Shropshire. You will split time across development kitchens, labs and factory settings to gain hands-on experience in food development and manufacturing trials.

You’ll work with experienced professionals on real projects, applying your knowledge to create samples, develop recipes, and support lab testing, with opportunities to collaborate across functions.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills for written and verbal interactions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and related Microsoft Office tools.
• Currently studying Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, or related field.
• Interest in recipe development and practical lab work.
• Ability to understand and analyse technical information.
• Problem solving with an innovative approach.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong time management and attention to detail.
• Experience or aptitude in managing projects is beneficial.
• Strong numeracy and data-driven decision making.
• Technical proficiency with standard office and digital tools.
• Eligibility to work in the UK; driving licence desirable.

Responsibilities

• Join R&D team for 13-month placement across Shropshire sites.
• Assist in product sampling, tasting, and evaluation.
• Support recipe development for yogurt and desserts.
• Help with lab testing and manufacturing trials.
• Collaborate across departments on projects.
• Review product artwork with training on labeling laws.
• Contribute from idea to launch in product development.
• Participate in cross-site activities and group projects.

Skills

Excellent communication

Microsoft Excel

Food science studies

Recipe development

Research & analysis

Problem solving

Initiative & teamwork

Organisational skills

Project management

Numeracy & analytics

Technical proficiency

UK Residency

UK Driving License

Education

Studying Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, or related

Job description

Job Title: Research & Development Intern

Location: Market Drayton, Shropshire (travel between sites may be required)

Contract: Starting July 2027, 13-month Fixed Term Contract

Hours/Shift Pattern: TBC

Why join the Muller Internship Program?

At Müller, we're passionate about helping students launch their careers through our dynamic Internship Programmes.

Over 13 months, you'll gain hands-on experience in a professional environment while building the skills that matter - technical expertise, leadership, communication, and more. Our tailored learning journey blends real-world challenges with personal development, so you'll grow in confidence and capability from day one.

Ready to shape your future with Müller? Let's make it happen.

What you'll be doing:

Join Müller's Research & Development (R&D) team for a 13-month placement where you'll help shape the future of our products - from concept to supermarket shelf.

Based across our sites in Shropshire, this is a hands-on opportunity to gain real-world experience in food development, laboratory testing, and manufacturing trials. You'll work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to exciting projects, and see your ideas come to life in a fast-paced, supportive environment.

Key tasks & responsibilities include:

• Product Sampling & Tasting: Create product samples in our development kitchen for internal tastings and customer presentations.
• Recipe Development: Apply your knowledge of yogurt and dessert manufacturing to help develop innovative new recipes.
• Lab Testing & Trials: Support lab testing and take part in manufacturing trials, using sensory evaluation techniques to assess product quality.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with teams across the business, gaining exposure to multiple departments and disciplines.
• Artwork Checking: Assist with reviewing product artwork, following training in food law and labelling regulations.
• Concept to Launch: Contribute to every stage of the product development journey - from initial ideas to full-scale product launches.
• Innovation Participation: Bring your creativity to the table and actively contribute to future product ideas and improvements.
• Work Across Environments: Gain experience across three different sites, including development kitchens, labs, and factory settings.
• Collaborative Group Projects: Work with other placement students on a group project, building teamwork and problem-solving skills.

What we're looking for:

We're excited to hear from university students who are curious, creative, and passionate about food and product development. If you're on track to achieve a 2:1 or above and looking for a placement year full of learning, collaboration, and innovation - we'd love to hear from you.

Key Skills & Qualifications Include:

• Excellent communication skills: Strong written and verbal abilities
• Microsoft: Proficient in Microsoft including Excel
• Education: Studying Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, or a related subject (other disciplines also welcome)
• Recipe development: Enjoys practical work, being creative and developing new recipes
• Research and Analysis: Ability to understand and analyse technical information and present to audience needs
• Problem solving: Innovative thinking and solution-oriented approach
• Initiative and teamwork: Capability to work independently and collaboratively
• Organisational skills: Effective time management and high attention to detail
• Project management: Experience or aptitude in managing projects
• Strong numeracy and analytical skills: Making data-driven decisions to solve problems efficiently
• Technical proficiency: Competence with Microsoft office and digital tools
• UK Residency: Eligibility to work in the UK (Please note this role is not eligible for sponsorship as the salary falls below the required threshold.)
• UK Driving License: Must hold a full UK driving licence for at least one year and have access to a car due to site locations

Why Join Muller?

Sourcing milk from over 1,000 farms up and down the UK, we serve millions of families every day with a range of branded and private label goods which are nutritious and delicious. We're one of the UK and Ireland's major dairy manufacturers and, with milk in 97% of UK fridges and yogurt in 78%, there's a very good chance you have a Müller product in yours.

Müller UK & Ireland is wholly owned by Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller which employs over 31,000 people throughout Europe. In the UK, Müller develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of branded and private label dairy products made with milk from 1,300 farmers in Britain, and operates Muller Yogurts & Desserts, Muller Milk & Ingredients and Muller Services Ltd.

We make dairy that makes people smile - as well as being nutritious and delicious! From Müller Corner yogurts to the 100% British milk you put in your morning cuppa, our products have been loved across the UK & Ireland for generations.

This role is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

At Müller, we're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and encourage people to apply even if they don't meet every requirement listed. If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know - we're happy to support you.