Research and Development Intern

SunOpta, Inc.; Eden Prairie, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

SunOpta, Inc. invites a motivated student to join its 12-week R&D internship at the Eden Prairie, MN corporate office. You will apply classroom knowledge to real projects, working alongside professionals to improve beverages, snacks, and ingredients.

You will perform bench-top and pilot experiments, support sensory and shelf-life studies, document processes, and collaborate with QA, Engineering, Procurement and Marketing to drive product improvements.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Nutrition, Microbiology or related field.
• Sophomore status or higher; graduate students considered.
• Active degree pursuit required.

Responsibilities

• Improve beverage, fruit snack, or ingredient product yield and quality.
• Conduct bench-top and pilot experiments, sample prep, analytical testing, and product evaluations.
• Support sensory testing, shelf-life studies, and data collection.
• Assist on process and product documentation.
• Assist with ingredient research, literature review, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with QA, Engineering, Procurement and Marketing teams.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Nutrition, Microbiology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary:

This is a 12-week program where interns will apply the knowledge and skills they've gained in the classroom by working alongside professionals at SunOpta. As part of the team, interns will gain valuable hands-on experience, contribute to meaningful projects, and improve processes. They will also gain insight into the latest trends in the food industry while helping to create new and innovative products.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• R&D INTERNSHIP
• Improve current product (beverages, fruit snacks, or ingredients) yield and quality
• Conduct bench-top and pilot experiments, sample preparation, analytical testing, and product evaluations
• Support sensory testing, shelf-life studies, and data collection
• Assist on process and product documentation
• Assist with ingredient research, literature review, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with other cross-functional teams like QA, Engineering, Procurement and Marketing

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must be working towards a bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Nutrition, Microbiology or related field.
• Candidates must be at least a sophomore in college and actively pursuing a degree.
• Graduate students will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous internship experience.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Additional Considerations:

• Travel: Travel may be required to various SunOpta locations for plant trials or other job-related functions
• Location: This position will be located at our Corporate Office in Eden Prairie, MN.
• This is a 12-week program, running 5/17/27 through 8/6/27.
• Pay Rate: $20.00/hour.
• Relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.