Functional Fiber Research Intern

Ingredion Incorporated; Bridgewater Township (NJ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Ingredion Incorporated is seeking a Functional Fiber Research Intern to join the R&D team in Bridgewater, MA for Summer 2026. You will assist in progressing a fiber structure–function project, characterize native and modified fiber materials, and benchmark against commercial ingredients for food applications.

We value candidates pursuing a Bachelor’s to Doctorate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, food science, chemical/material science with lab experience and strong data analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate in a relevant science with lab work.
• Experience designing experiments, analyzing data and interpreting structure–function relationships.
• Strong written and verbal communication for reports and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Support literature, patent searches and summarize findings for the project team.
• Conduct lab experiments and analyze results to inform project direction.
• Coordinate and report data from experiments to project teams and partners.
• Record data in ELN and other databases; communicate results clearly.
• Present findings to management with recommendations for future development.

Skills

Lab safety

Chemistry

Biochemistry

Data analysis

Experimental design

Structure-function

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in progress

Master’s or Doctorate in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Food Science/Materials

Tools

ELN experience

Job description

Functional Fiber Research Intern

About Ingredion: Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.

Location: Bridgewater. Workplace type: On Site. We have an exciting opportunity for an ambitious student to join our R&D team for summer 2026! As the Functional Fiber Research Intern, you will support progression of a research project focused on unlocking the value of fiber through structure-function characterization and targeted modification. You will have the opportunity to characterize native fiber materials, benchmark them against commercial fiber ingredients, evaluate processing or modification approaches, and assess functional properties relevant to food application. This work will also give you the opportunity to generate foundational knowledge to guide the development of differentiated, value-added fiber ingredients that support fiber fortification and health and wellness innovation!

What you will do:

• Conduct searches on prior art (literature, patents), and current technology including competitive activity on related projects, and summarizing the outcomes in appropriate report


• Perform laboratory experiments, conduct data analysis and interpret results to make recommendations to project team and support the project


• Coordinate, summarize and report data generated from these experiments


• Record data in the Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) and other archiving databases as appropriate; effectively communicating results to project teams and partners


• Present research findings to management with recommendations for future New Product Development or Applied Research projects at completion of internship period

What you will bring:

• Familiarity with working in a chemistry or biochemistry lab setting while adhering to lab safety requirements


• Successful progress towards a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or related field with laboratory research experience


• Experience with experimental design, quantitative data analysis, and interpretation of structure-function relationships


• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, e.g. making presentations and writing technical reports

Who you are:

• Eager to explore careers in the food & beverage industry


• Ability to work collaboratively with peers and others


• Creative problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindset


• Desire to see and create results

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must:

• Currently possess unrestricted authorization to work in the United States. Ingredion does not intend to sponsor work visas with respect to this position or to provide this position as OPT or CPT.


• Be a currently enrolled student in a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree program. If currently enrolled in an undergrad status, must have completed at least two years of coursework with status as a sophomore, junior or non-graduating senior.


• If you have completed your degree, please consider other opportunities with Ingredion, posted at ww.ingredion.com/careers.

Why Join Ingredion?

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exception rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:

• Total Rewards Package – competitive hourly salary based on your degree program.


• Housing stipends offered to students relocating 51+ miles from the Ingredion work location.


• Internship Program Events & Activities – programming catered toward career exploration, networking, and professional development - including the annual Capstone Summit at Ingredion HQ in Westchester, IL.


• Intern Coaching Program – pairing with a mentor to coach development and integration in Ingredion’s culture.


• Involvement in Ingredion’s Business Resource Groups – the conscience of the organization and an integral part to Ingredion’s Inclusion & Belonging strategy.


• Employee Recognition Program – a culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally.


• Employee Discount Program – provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel #wayup.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law (“protected classifications”). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.

Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.

Relocation Available: Yes, Within Country. This pay rate is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).

Benefits: Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with a competitive company match.

Ingredion is a leading global, plant-based ingredients solutions company. We make sweeteners, starches, nutrition ingredients and biomaterials that are used by customers in everyday products from foods and beverages to paper and pharmaceuticals. At Ingredion, we embrace possibilities and inspire each other to think big. Together, we are reimagining how we can make life better through our differentiated ingredients and innovative solutions. We share an inspiring purpose — to make life better, for our colleagues, our customers, our communities, and the world. We belong to a culture of bold innovators, of people who believe that their skills, creativity, and passion can deliver solutions that can enhance people’s lives. We create what's next, transforming our imagination into innovation. We have a welcoming and collaborative environment to build and grow a career in a multinational company. Here, everyone can be their authentic selves and be part of a community of talented and caring people, interacting with professionals around the world, made up of varied backgrounds, cultures and industries. We are encouraged to think differently and innovate through collaboration and experimentation. We are constantly imagining new ways to bring value to our customers, through new ingredients, solutions, and ways of working.