R&D Intern, Protein Fortification & Analytical Characterization

Ingredion Incorporated; Bridgewater (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipends for relocation

Intern Coaching Program

Capstone Summit at Ingredion HQ

Comprehensive benefits for interns

Job summary

Ingredion Incorporated is seeking a Summer 2027 R&D Intern in Bridgewater, NJ, to join the Analytical Characterization & Texture Science team. You will work on how pulse proteins and hydrocolloids interact, using confocal microscopy and complementary techniques to connect microstructure with formulation properties.

Training is provided, and prior confocal experience is helpful but not required. You will prepare samples, collect data, analyze results, and present findings with the team.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in food science, chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, or related field.
• Completion of laboratory coursework or hands-on lab experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and evaluate model food systems containing pulse proteins and hydrocolloids.
• Support confocal microscopy experiments by preparing samples and collecting images.
• Perform complementary laboratory measurements (viscosity, emulsification, texture).
• Organize and analyze results to link microstructure with formulation properties.

Skills

Pulse proteins

Hydrocolloids

Microscopy

Data analysis

Lab organization

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s student in a related field

Tools

Confocal microscopy

Analytical techniques

Job description

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, NJ Workplace type: On Site

We have an exciting opportunity for an ambitious student to join our Analytical Characterization & Texture Science team to help explore how plant proteins and texturizing ingredients work together in food for summer 2027! As the R&D Intern, Protein Fortification & Analytical Characterization, you will contribute to a research project using confocal microscopy and complementary analytical techniques to study interactions between pulse proteins and other hydrocolloids. Working with scientists across the Protein Fortification innovation team you will prepare samples, collect and analyze experimental data, and connect food microstructure with important application properties utilizing machine learning. This internship is designed as a hands-on learning opportunity. Prior confocal microscopy experience is helpful but not required, and training will be provided.

What you will do

• Prepare and evaluate model food systems containing pulse proteins and hydrocolloids.
• Support confocal microscopy experiments by preparing samples, collecting images, and performing basic analysis to link microstructure to formulation properties.
• Perform complementary laboratory measurements related to product formulation needs - including viscosity, emulsification, and texture.
• Organize and analyze experimental results to identify relationships between ingredient interactions, microstructure, and product performance.
• Maintain clear laboratory records and follow established safety, housekeeping, and experimental procedures.
• Collaborate with scientists and other interns to discuss findings and plan next steps.
• Summarize and present your work and recommendations at the conclusion of the internship.

What you will bring

• Progress towards a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in food science, chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, or related field.
• Completion of laboratory coursework or other hands-on laboratory experience.
• Interest in food ingredients, microscopy, material interactions, or analytical science.
• Ability to organize data and communicate observations clearly.
• Curiosity, attention to detail, and willingness to learn new laboratory and data-analysis techniques.

Who you are

Eager to explore careers in analytical & materials characterization within the food & beverage industry.

Comfortable working both independently and with guidance from a technical team.

Creative problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindset.

Interested in connecting scientific observations with real food-formulation challenges.

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 or master’s 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 exceptional 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

Relocation Available: No

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.

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.