R&D Intern - Sensory & Consumer Science

McCormick & Company; 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 in Hunt Valley, MD for a 10-week program (June 7, 2027 – August 13, 2027), requiring 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. This internship offers a unique glimpse into how sensory science guides product development, innovation, and brand strategy at a global flavor leader.

During the program you will support day-to-day sensory projects, observe methodologies, learn to present results to technical

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate (Junior or Senior) or graduate program.
• Pursuing a degree in Psychology, Sociology, Food Science, or related discipline.
• Coursework or experience in sensory science, consumer insights, market research, or qualitative 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 and initiative.
• Strong computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.

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

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Self-motivation

Organizational skills

Education

Undergraduate student (Junior or Senior)

Graduate student

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Job description

McCormick & Company, Incorporated is seeking a full-time R&D Intern - Sensory & Consumer Science i n 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, or qualitative 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 and initiative
• 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.