R&D Intern - Sensory & Consumer Science

McCormick & Company, Incorporated; Cockeysville (MD); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

McCormick & Company, Incorporated is seeking a full‑time R&D Intern - Sensory & Consumer Science for a 10‑week program in Hunt Valley, MD. The internship runs June 7, 2027 to August 13, 2027, requiring 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

You will gain hands-on experience in sensory science, support day‑to‑day projects, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to inform product development and brand strategy.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate (junior or senior) or graduate student.
• pursuing a degree in Psychology, Sociology, Food Science, or related discipline.
• Prior coursework in sensory science or consumer insights is a bonus.
• Strong interest in sensory science and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day sensory projects (internal tasting, descriptive analysis, consumer research).
• Observe sensory methodologies across projects (new product development or ingredient changes).
• Assist in data analysis using tools such as XLSTAT, Compusense, or R.
• Learn to present results to technical and non-technical teams.
• Collaborate with sensory scientists, product developers, and marketing.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Self-motivation

Team collaboration

Education

Undergraduate or graduate student

Related discipline: Psychology, Sociology, Food Science

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Job description

McCormick & Company, Incorporated is seeking a full‑time R&D Intern - Sensory & Consumer Science in Hunt Valley, MD. This is a 10‑week internship (June 7, 2027 - August 13, 2027) which requires 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

Launch your career with a Global Leader in Flavor

At McCormick, you'll join us in “Saving the World From Boring Food” and fulfill your desire to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Employees throughout our global corporation are united by two things - a passion for flavor and driving results. People are drawn to McCormick because of a culture that challenges them to reach their full potential.

Our 10 week Summer Internship Program in Hunt Valley, MD allows college students to get a glimpse into what it's like to be a part of the McCormick family - rich in flavor, culture, and employee empowerment.

During your time as an Intern you will sharpen your leadership skills, work on real-world challenges, and collaborate with the best leaders in the industry. You will also have the opportunity to network with executives, participate in social events with other interns, and give back to the community. We are looking for the next generation of problem solvers to drive change within McCormick. Are you up for the challenge?

Pay Range: $20 - $22

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates who require visa sponsorship for employment now or in the future will not be considered for this position.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a curious, detail‑oriented, and passionate intern to join our Sensory & Consumer Science team with a focus on sensory science. This internship offers a unique opportunity to explore how sensory science at McCormick is used to guide, translate, and inform product development, innovation, and brand strategy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the execution of day‑to‑day sensory projects (internal tasting, descriptive analysis testing, consumer‑research)
• Observe sensory methodologies applied to a variety of projects (new product development and/or ingredient changes)
• Assist in analysis of sensory research using various analysis tools (Xlstat, Compusense, and/or R)
• Learn how to present and share results across both technical and non-technical teams
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with sensory scientists, product developers, and marketing teams

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN

• Hands‑on experience with various sensory methodologies (Quantitative, Qualitative, Discrimination,Descriptive)
• Mentorship from experienced researchers and sensory scientists
• Opportunities to contribute to impactful projects that shape product experiences
• A deeper understanding of how sensory science drives innovation in the food and beverage industry

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate (Junior or Senior) or graduate program
• Currently pursuing a degree in Psychology, Sociology, Food Science, or related discipline
• Prior coursework or experience in sensory science, consumer insights, market research, orqualitative research is a bonus
• Strong interest in sensory science
• Excellent communication, organization, and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently, learn new tasks, solve problems, and show strong self‑motivation andinitiative
• Strong computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast‑paced, deadline driven environment

McCormick & Company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As a general policy, McCormick does not offer employment visa sponsorships upon hire or in the future.

WHY WORK AT MCCORMICK?

As a McCormick employee you’ll be empowered to focus on more than your individual responsibilities. You’ll have the opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself—to have a say in where the company is going and how it’s growing.

Between our passion for flavor, our 130-year history of leadership and integrity, the competitive and comprehensive benefits we offer, and our culture, which is built on respect and opportunities for growth, there are many reasons to join us at McCormick.