Internship - Research & Development Scientist, Pet Food

General Mills, Inc; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 43,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Housing assistance

Job summary

General Mills is offering a 10-week Research & Development Scientist, Pet Food Internship in Minneapolis. You will gain hands-on experience in product development, formulas, and consumer-focused design, with opportunities to join the Leadership Development Program after graduation.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, animal nutrition insights, and building technical and business skills in a dynamic, learning-oriented environment. Eligible students may receive relocation support.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an MS or PhD in Animal Science, Animal Nutrition or related field.
• Graduating Winter 2027 or Spring 2028.

Responsibilities

• Create new products with a consumer-first design emphasis.
• Improve existing products and optimize formulas for pet and pet parent appeal, manufacturing, and cost.
• Leverage animal science knowledge to develop remarkable products.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to grow the business.
• Develop understanding of pet food product development through experiments and pilot trials.
• Translate insights into concepts, prototypes, and offerings.

Skills

Academic excellence

Leadership

Adaptability

Communication

Curiosity

Education

MS/PhD in Animal Science or related

Graduating Winter 2027 or Spring 2028

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best – bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what's next.

Internship - Research & Development Scientist, Pet Food

General Mills makes food the world loves. The company is guided by its Accelerate strategy to boldly build its brands, relentlessly innovate, unleash its scale and stand for good. General Mills operates in more than 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, includingCheerios, Nature Valley, Blue Buffalo, Haagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Totino's, Annie's, Wanchai Ferry and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, General Mills generated fiscal 2026 net sales U.S.$18billion.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AT GENERAL MILLS?

The General Mills Research & Development Internship is a great way to kick-off your career. You will build broad experience in technical foundations, functional depth, and professional development. You'll develop and enhance your digital skills, gaining experience in data analysis, project management, and/or collaboration tools. The internship allows candidates to demonstrate leadership, embrace a learning mindset, build a strong network of peers, develop business context, and learn the General Mills and Innovation, Technology & Quality (ITQ) culture.

WHAT WILL I DO?

As a Research & Development Scientist, Pet Food Intern, you will experience a robust 10-week internship with hopes that you'll roll into our full-time R&D Leadership Development Program upon graduation. During your internship you will:

• Create new products with an emphasis on consumer-first design
• Improve existing products and optimize formulas for pet and pet parent appeal, manufacturing, and cost
• Leverage knowledge of animal science/nutrition and ingredient functionality to develop remarkable products
• Create new, improve existing, and eliminate waste from products and processes
• Champion food safety, pet safety, pet parent insights, and product quality from product design through production
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to build and grow our businesses
• Develop a sound understanding of pet food product development, formulation, and technical considerations through the execution of experiments and pilot plant trials
• Leverage pet, pet parent, and customer insights and translate them into concepts, prototypes, and commercial offerings
• Develop technical depth and business acumen
• Apply or build digital tools to accelerate learning
• Solve technical problems leveraging new or existing digital tools
• Impact people's and pet's lives and communities

WHERE WILL I WORK?

James Ford Bell Technical Center in Minneapolis, MN

IS THIS YOU?

Minimum Qualifications:

• Pursuing a M.S. or Ph.D. in Animal Science, Animal Nutrition or related degree
• Graduating in Winter 2027 or Spring 2028

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong academic record
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results and a commitment to developing technical and business skills
• Adaptability, curiosity, and inventiveness
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, passion for R&D, enthusiasm, and the ability to conduct themselves professionally
• Demonstrated leadership experience in academic projects, extracurricular activities, or previous work experiences

HUNGRY FOR WHAT'S NEXT?

• Internship is 10-weeks in Summer 2027
• Relocation assistance (if eligible)

The hourly rate for this position is $31.73/hour. General Mills strives to provide fair and competitive pay that reflects your skills, experience, and academic background. The pay for this role considers many factors, including, but not limited to, your degree program, major, and year in school. Beyond a competitive hourly rate, as a General Mills intern, you'll gain access to a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall development and wellbeing. This includes partially subsidized housing & relocation assistance (if applicable & requirements are met), a summer of learning and fun featuring networking opportunities with company leaders, comprehensive health benefits, wellbeing resources, and other valuable perks. Specific benefits may vary by role, location, and eligibility requirements.

Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. General Mills will not sponsor applicants for this position for work visas.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must meet a minimum 18-year age qualification.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)

General Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or familial status, status regarding public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION REQUEST

If you need to request an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please fill out our online accommodation request form by following this link: Accommodation Request.