R&D Chemistry Laboratory Intern (Austin MN) - Summer 2027 - Campus Recruiting

Hormel Foods Corporation; Austin (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing assistance

Relocation reimbursement

401(k) matching

Job summary

Hormel Foods Corporation, headquartered in Austin, Minnesota, offers a summer 2027 R&D Chemistry Laboratory Intern program. This on-site internship provides real-world lab experience in a Fortune 500 company, with hands-on project work, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

The role involves performing assays, learning LIMS concepts, and presenting findings to the lab group at internship conclusion.

Qualifications

• Must have at least Junior status (Aug 2027/Dec 2027/May 2028).
• Minimum 3.0 GPA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and complex assays in the Chemistry Lab under supervision.
• Contribute to other R&D duties as assigned.
• Use analytical techniques and apply critical thinking to data.

Skills

Math skills

Lab skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Chemistry/Bio/Food Science major

Job description

R&D Chemistry Laboratory Intern (Austin MN) - Summer 2027 - Campus Recruiting

Austin, MN, United States

JOB DESCRIPTION

About Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS®, SKIPPY®, SPAM®, HORMEL®NATURAL CHOICE®, APPLEGATE®, WHOLLY®, HORMEL®BLACK LABEL®, COLUMBUS®, JENNIE-O®and more than 30 other beloved brands. The Company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report and one of America’s most responsible companies by Newsweek, was recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World's Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. For more information, visithormelfoods.com.

Job Title

R&D Chemisty Laboratory Intern

Job Purpose

To gain real world experience as a technician in an accredited food laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Works with an intermediate degree of supervision and/or detailed procedures.
• Performs routine, complex and occasionally highly complex assays in the Chemistry Lab (all activities must be performed in a safe, accurate and efficient manner.
• Performs other duties assigned, including responsibilities in other areas of Research and Development.
• Practice communication skills, use analytical techniques, and apply critical thinking skills.

Projects may include

• Chemistry method validation or improvement.
• Foreign material cataloguing and organization.
• Laboratory information management system (LIMS) testing.
• Project presentation to lab work group at conclusion of internship.

Required Qualifications

• Must have at least Junior status (graduate in August 2027, December 2027, or May 2028) and major in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, or related field with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA preferred.
• Strong math skills and basic lab skills including quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Possess a strong work ethic and analytical/problem solving skills.
• Must be capable of standing for extended periods of time, handle strong odors and may, on occasion have to lift 50 lbs.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer.
• Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa.
• Must be comfortable with the preparation and consumption of various Hormel Foods products which may include but are not limited to pork, beef, poultry, and nuts.
• This position will require access to and/or the utilization of a personal motor vehicle to get to and from the workplace.
• Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas.

About Our Internship Program

The Hormel Foods internship program is designed with your growth in mind. As an intern, you'll gain hands-on experience working on meaningful projects that support real business initiatives while developing the skills and confidence needed to launch your career.

In addition to day-to-day responsibilities, you'll have opportunities to connect with fellow interns, build your professional network, participate in development and learning sessions, and interact with leaders across the organization. You'll leave the summer with valuable experience, lasting connections, and a deeper understanding of what it's like to work for a Fortune 500 company.

We're proud to be recognized among the nation's Top 150 Internship Programs by Vault.

Duration

Our summer internship program runs 10-12 weeks and starts in late May and ends in early August.

Hours

This is a temporary, full-time, hourly position. Interns can expect to work approximately 40 hours per week and may be eligible for overtime based on business needs.

Location

This is an on-site position based out of our Research & Development Laboratories at our Corporate Headquarters in Austin, MN.

Hormel Foods does not currently offer remote internship opportunities.

Compensation/Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay of $24.50 paid on a weekly basis
• Housing assistance through either a housing stipend or company-provided housing, depending on location
• Reimbursement of eligible relocation expenses
• Reimbursement for approved business-related expenses
• Opportunity to participate in a 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Paid time off (PTO) accrual
• Hands-on experience with a Fortune 500 company
• Professional development opportunities and networking experiences

At Hormel we invite difference and diversity in all aspects. We offer a space of support, understanding, and community. We are committed to the journey! Learn more about our progress here: https://www.hormelfoods.com/about/inclusion-and-belonging/

Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.