Microbiology Lab Internship - Summer 2027

Johnsonville; Sheboygan Falls (WI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Johnsonville's Tech Center in Wisconsin offers an internship in the microbiology lab where you can contribute to real projects and collaborate with Research & Development, Operations, Engineering, and Food Safety & Quality teams. You will perform microbiology QC and pathogen testing, analyze data, collect environmental samples, and support lab operations and safety initiatives across business units.

Candidates must be pursuing a Bachelor's degree in food/meat science, microbiology, biochemistry,

Qualifications

• Candidate must be working toward a Bachelor's degree in relevant sciences.
• Junior or senior status preferred.
• GPA 3.0 minimum preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct microbiology QC and pathogen testing procedures.
• Lead studies evaluating new detection technologies.
• Generate, analyze, and interpret microbiological data and reports.
• Collect and analyze daily/weekly environmental swabs and raw materials.
• Troubleshoot potential microbiological/quality issues.
• Support Research & Development, Operations, and Manufacturing teams.
• Assist in corporate food safety/quality initiatives across all units.
• Support general laboratory preparation.
• Job shadow/assist in the chemistry lab.

Skills

Microbiology knowledge

Food safety

Testing protocols

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in food/meat science, microbiology, biochemistry or biology

GPA 3.0 minimum

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

Statistical software

Job description

Johnsonville Location:

Tech Center

Johnsonville will place you, as an intern or co‑op student, into a fun and challenging position where you can make real contributions to real projects, applying your knowledge and creativity. In addition to hands‑on experience in your field, you’ll have the chance to work with Members from a variety of functional areas, in a team‑based work environment and a culture that celebrates growth and learning. We value the enthusiasm, fresh ideas and desire to learn and grow that you’ll bring to the organization. You’ll have a one‑of‑a‑kind experience at Johnsonville and be able to say you helped make a real difference at a great, global company.

Position Overview

As an intern in Johnsonville’s microbiology lab, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn all aspects, functionality, and supporting activities of an industrial food microbiology laboratory. You will work within Johnsonville’s Laboratory Team and interact with Research & Development, Operations, Engineering, and Food Safety & Quality teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct applied/molecular microbiology QC and pathogen testing procedures using standard, rapid, and “State of the Art” detection techniques
• Lead studies to evaluate new detection technologies, products, and processing procedures
• Generate, analyze, and interpret microbiological data and reports
• Collect and analyze daily/weekly pre‑operational and/or operational environmental swabs, incoming raw materials, and finished products
• Troubleshoot potential microbiological/quality issues related to production, products, and materials
• Serve as a support role to Research & Development, Operations, and Manufacturing Teams
• Assist in corporate food safety/quality enhancement initiatives across all business units
• Support general laboratory preparation
• Job shadow/assist in the chemistry lab

Education

• Candidate must currently be working towards a Bachelor’s degree in food/meat science, microbiology, biochemistry, and/or biology from an accredited university; junior or senior status preferred.
• 3.0 minimum GPA preferred.

Experience

• Prior work experience preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge of microbiology, food safety, and testing protocols
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and statistical software
• Willing to travel to other facilities
• Maintain accurate and complete work records such as a notebook and status reports

Other Requirements

• Start Date: May 24, 2027
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have valid driver’s license to be able to drive to all Sheboygan Falls facilities to collect samples and support lab activities
• Ability and willingness to work off‑shift as needed

Benefits And Compensation

Johnsonville offers access to the 24/7 onsite fitness center, and onsite medical clinic! Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the country where this job is located, without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

About Our Company

Since 1945, our family‑owned band of sausage-makers has invented better ways to make, eat and prepare crave‑able sausage. Today, we are 4,000+ Members strong. We sell our famous sausage in all 50 United States and more than 40 countries. We have a culture built on the idea that if we make developing your talents our top priority, great business results will follow naturally. We call it The Johnsonville Way. It has been our secret sauce for decades, and we hope you get to experience it for yourself!

Johnsonville is an equal opportunity employer, including Vet/Disability.

We embrace the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including protected veteran and disability status.