Natural Preservation Intern

Kraft Heinz, Inc.; Nijmegen; On-site; EUR 5,900 - 8,000; Full time

Job summary

Kraft Heinz is offering a Natural Preservation internship in Nijmegen for 6–7 months, starting January/February 2027. You will join the R&D team and work with microbiology, product, and process teams on preserving sauces and drinks with clean-label approaches.

You will design experiments, collect data, and translate findings into actionable business insights, while gaining mentorship and exposure to global partners.

Qualifications

• Microbiology (or related) Bachelor/Master student, preferably masters.
• Experience in microbiology and affinity with working in the micro lab is crucial.
• You should have strong communication skills and fluency in English, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Research on natural antimicrobials to enable replacement of chemical preservatives for application in Kraft Heinz sauces.
• Run data collection from research studies, previous internships, literature and external partners; design experiments for microbiological challenge studies.
• Determine innovative technical solutions and support their application into products; compile and analyze trial results; set conclusions and recommendations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Self-starter

Autonomy

English fluency

Education

Microbiology degree

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Job Description

Natural Preservation intern Start date: January/February 2027 Duration: 6 - 7 months Allowance: 625 euro per month (40hrs, 5 days) & full reimbursement of travel expenses Location: Nijmegen During your assignment you will be part of the R&D team. As an integrated team member, we welcome you to take part in the team's activities such as team meetings & category meetings which will give you a real feel for the company and the business. You will be working with great autonomy and will interact with various colleagues from microbiology, product, process, sensory but also external partners. We are looking forward to your support on the sauces and drinks categories through increasing the knowledge, optimizing current solutions and/or finding new innovative technical solutions in clean label preservation.

Assignment and key activities

Research on natural antimicrobials to enable replacement of chemical preservatives (e.g. benzoates and sorbates) for application in Kraft Heinz sauces.

• Run data collection from research studies, previous internships, literature and external partners. And contact colleagues internally & internationally, Use the data and apply scientific findings to design experiments for microbiological challenge studies. (Set scope, planning & design of experiment and apply key scientific knowledge & tests in microbiology)
• Determine the most relevant innovative technical solutions and support their application into products. (Compile & analyze trial results, DoE (setting up the experiment + data elaboration))
• Evaluate main research findings and translate into business case (set conclusions & recommendations)

Requirements

Microbiology (or related) Bachelor/Master student, preferably masters. Experience in microbiology and affinity with working in the micro lab is crucial. You have analytical skills and can plan and design experiments. You can work independently and in a team. You are science driven and hands on, have good analytical skills, are highly motivated, outgoing and look for results, self-starter and autonomous and have communication skills. You should have strong communication skills and fluency in English, both written and verbal (Dutch is not a requirement but other languages are a plus) You are enrolled at a university for at least 50% study load for the duration of the internship.

NOTE: EU working rights are required (Either you have EU Citizenship, you are studying in the Netherlands or have relevant student work visa)

Recruitment process

• CV selection based on hard requirements such as EU working rights
• Online Pymetrics assessment
• Online Pymetrics video assessment
• Online Screening Interview via Microsoft Teams
• Hiring manager interview
• Amazing internship opportunity that can kickstart your career! Note: The recruitment process can take 4/6 weeks in total

What we offer you

We take interns seriously. You can expect from us to give you 1-on-1 mentorship from one of our experienced colleagues. We will work together on your personal learning goals and are keen to hear all good ideas you have! We will give you the space and support to make mistakes and grow. Become a part of a close intern community as well as a young and ambitious work environment (including online). As a Kraft Heinz intern you’ll be the owner of your own projects and especially of your own career. At Kraft Heinz, we provide the playing field. You change the game. Are you up for the challenge?

About Us

The Kraft Heinz Company is one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world, with eight $1 billion+ brands and global sales of approximately $25 billion. We're a globally trusted producer of high-quality, great-tasting, and nutritious foods for over 150 years. Our brands are truly global, with products produced and marketed in over 40 countries. These beloved products include condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee, infant and nutrition products, and numerous other grocery products in a portfolio of more than 200 legacy and emerging brands. We spark joy around mealtime with our iconic brands, including Heinz, Kraft, Bull's-Eye, HP, Lea and Perrins, Quero, ABC, Master, Banquete, Plasmon, Orlando, Benedicta, Honig, Pudliszki, Wattie's among others. No matter the brand, we're united under one vision: To sustainably grow by delighting more consumers globally. Bringing this vision to life is our team of 39,000+ food lovers, creative thinkers, and high performers worldwide. Together, we help provide meals to those in need through our global partnership with Rise Against Hunger. We also stand committed to responsible, sustainable practices that extend to every facet of our business, our consumers, and our communities. Every day, we're transforming the food industry with bold thinking and unprecedented results. If you share our passion - and are ready to create the future, build a legacy, and lead as a global citizen - there's only one thing to do: join our table and let's make life delicious! Our Culture of Ownership, Meritocracy & Collaboration We're not afraid to think differently. Embrace new ideas. Dream big.

We empower our people at every level - from entry-level intern to senior leader - to own their work. We share a responsibility to think like Owners - to be mindful of the collective and sustained success of Kraft Heinz- which we apply to each situation, every day. As part of Kraft Heinz, you’re supported to grow and achieve. You’re expected to bring your authentic self to work every day, to lead with humility, and drive outstanding performance at every level - and you'll be rewarded. You're given opportunities to leave a mark and build a legacy. But you won't do it alone. You're supported by passionate teammates along the way, and our collective, collaborative spirit fuels our incredible progress.

Location(s)

Nijmegen

Equal Opportunity Employer

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes.