Food Scientist Intern - Summer 2027

Marzetti Company; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Marzetti Company in Columbus, Ohio is offering a 2027 Summer Internship as a Food Scientist Intern. You will engage in real-world R&D projects, focusing on bakery ingredients, product optimization, and sensory analysis while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

You will gain hands-on experience in formulation, testing, and data-driven decision making, with opportunities for professional development and potential future employment based on performance.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program with a focus in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Baking Science, or Food Engineering
• Interested in Research & Development
• Willingness to taste, develop and test new bakery products
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, specifically Excel
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills demonstrated through activities/work experience
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship building skills
• Action-oriented with sound judgment and adaptability
• Works well independently and in teams

Responsibilities

• Lead a product optimization project from concept through formulation, testing, and evaluation
• Conduct laboratory trials, analyze experimental data, and recommend formulation improvements
• Collaborate with R&D, Procurement, and Sensory to support product development decisions
• Perform research on emerging bakery ingredients to improve nutrition or processing efficiency
• Assist Grain & Dough team with sensory, shelf-life testing, and food analysis
• Evaluate ingredient alternatives and processing methods to identify cost-saving opportunities
• Present project findings to the R&D team

Skills

Food science knowledge

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Undergraduate in Food Science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Overview

Marzetti is seeking a Food Scientist Intern to join our 2027 Summer Internship Program!

Still in school but ready to start building your career? The Marzetti Summer Internship Program gives ambitious students the opportunity to gain meaningful, hands‑on experience while exploring where their career could take them after graduation.

Our internship program is designed to provide real-world experience aligned with your field of interest while also giving you exposure to other key areas of the business. You’ll contribute to meaningful work, build valuable relationships, and develop skills that extend far beyond your resume.

Responsibilities → What You'll Do

Essential Functions/Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead a product optimization project from concept through formulation, testing, and evaluation


• Conduct laboratory trials, analyze experimental data, and recommend formulation improvements


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Procurement, and Sensory, to support product development decisions


• Perform research on emerging bakery ingredients focused on improving nutrition and/or processing efficiency


• Assist Grain & Dough team members with ongoing sensory, shelf‑life testing, and food analysis


• Evaluate ingredient alternatives and processing methods to identify cost‑saving opportunities while maintaining product quality


• Present project findings, results, and recommendations to the R&D team

Nourish Your Career

Over the course of our 12-week program, our interns will gain:

• Practical Experience: Take ownership in meaningful projects and share innovative ideas to gain relevant experience in R&D.


• Professional Development: Develop your professional network by connecting with colleagues, managers, and fellow interns through social activities, volunteer opportunities, and development sessions with company leadership.


• Career Advancement: Potential for part‑time and full‑time employment based on your performance and the company’s needs.

Qualifications → What You'll Bring

Qualification Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program with a focus in: Food Science, Food Chemistry, Baking Science, or Food Engineering


• Interested in Research & Development


• Willingness to taste, develop and test new bakery products


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office® applications, specifically Microsoft Excel


• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills demonstrated through extracurricular activities and/or work experience


• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship building skills


• Action-oriented with sound judgment, integrity, and the ability to balance strategic thinking with practical execution


• Resourceful, adaptable, and effective in navigating change and influencing others


• Works effectively both independently and in team settings

About Us

The Marzetti Company (Nasdaq: MZTI) manufactures and sells specialty food products. Our retail brands include Marzetti® dressings and dips, New York Bakery™ garlic breads, and Sister Schubert’s® dinner rolls, in addition to exclusive license agreements for Olive Garden® dressings, Chick-fil-A® sauces and dressings, Buffalo Wild Wings® sauces, Arby's® sauces, Subway® sauces, and Texas Roadhouse® steak sauces and frozen rolls. Our foodservice business supplies sauces, dressings, breads, and pasta to many of the top restaurant chains in the United States.

At Marzetti, our mission is to make every meal better through high‑quality, flavorful food. Led by our purpose, to nourish growth with all that we do, our team members are dedicated to creating great tasting food and cultivating deep and lasting relationships.