FOOD APPLICATION SCIENCE INTERN

Kent Corporation; Muscatine (IA); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Gas stipend

Job summary

Grain Processing Corporation (GPC) in Muscatine, Iowa, is offering a paid Food Applications Science Intern position for the 2027 summer. You will work with experienced scientists in our Technical Solutions center, developing formulations and documenting applications across food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries.

The internship emphasizes hands-on lab work (80%+), collaboration with cross-functional teams, and participation in tradeshows, with company-provided housing or a gas stipend

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a BS in Food Science or related field.
• Hands-on experience in food laboratory settings and safe lab practices.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience with GPC ingredients across food and related industries.
• Support application scientists in developing formulations and technical docs.
• Refine prototypes from feedback as part of product development.
• Format development information for customer inquiries and sales tools.
• Collaborate across diverse teams and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Conduct laboratory testing and data collection on processes and materials.
• Prepare materials for food ingredient tradeshows and on-site engagement.

Skills

Lab experience

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field

Tools

Laboratory equipment familiarity

Job description

Turn your passion for food science into real-world innovation. Join Grain Processing Corporation (GPC), a 6-time U.S. Best Managed Company and proud KENT WORLDWIDE™ family company, as a Food Applications Science Intern for the 2027 summer and gain hands-on experience developing products that impact the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries. Based in Muscatine, Iowa, this paid internship offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced scientists in our Technical Solutions center, contribute to meaningful projects, and see how innovative ingredient solutions come to life. With company-provided housing or a gas stipend, collaborative team experiences, and valuable industry exposure, this is more than an internship, it's a launchpad for your future career.

• This position is designed and intended to be performed in Muscatine, Iowa.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Gain hands-on experience with GPC ingredients and their applications across food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries
• Support and assist Application Scientists in developing formulations and technical documentation for a wide range of product applications and industries
• Incorporate feedback to refine product prototypes as part of an interactive and collaborative product development process
• Format development information for direct response to customer inquiries, preparation of sales tools, and application development for new products
• Adapt to shifting priorities while collaborating effectively across diverse teams and individuals
• Conduct hands-on laboratory testing of processes and materials most commonly found in the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries
• Perform lab-based work for more than 80% of the internship, with a strong emphasis on experimental design and data collection
• Support food ingredient tradeshows by preparing materials, coordinating logistics, and supporting on-site engagement to enhance brand presence and capture customer insights

Education and Qualification Requirements

• Is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Bakery Science, Grain Science, Culinary Science, or related science-based discipline; preference given to candidates in their junior or senior year of undergraduate study
• Has hands-on experience in food laboratory settings, including familiarity with laboratory equipment and adherence to safe lab practices

Core Competencies Needed

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and effectively
• Proficient in standard computer applications and digital tools
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively in team environments and engage positively with diverse individuals

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.