R&D Intern, Protein Fortification & Analytical Characterization

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

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Capstone Summit participation

Intern coaching program

Employee discounts

Job summary

Ingredion invites an R&D Intern to join the Analytical Characterization & Texture Science team for Summer 2027. You will assist in studying how pulse proteins and hydrocolloids interact, using confocal microscopy and related techniques to connect microstructure with formulation properties.

You will prepare samples, run basic analyses, and contribute to data interpretation. Training will be provided; prior confocal experience is helpful but not required.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Prepare and evaluate model food systems with pulse proteins and hydrocolloids.
• Support confocal microscopy experiments by preparing samples and collecting images.
• Perform complementary lab measurements: viscosity, emulsification, texture.
• Organize and analyze results to relate ingredient interactions to microstructure and product performance.
• Maintain clear laboratory records and follow safety procedures.
• Collaborate with scientists and interns to discuss findings and plan next steps.
• Summarize and present work and recommendations at internship conclusion.

Skills

Microscopy

Data analysis

Laboratory skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in food science or related field

Tools

Confocal microscopy

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

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We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that i