Research & Development Food Scientist - Campus Recruiting

UNKNOWN; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

General Mills in Minneapolis, MN is seeking a Research & Development Leadership Development Program participant for 2-3 early-career experiences, focusing on data analysis, project management, and collaborative skills.

You will develop technical depth in food science, contribute to new product development, and work with cross-functional teams to translate insights into consumer-ready offerings. Start dates are February 2027 or July 2027, with relocation assistance if eligible.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an MS or PhD in Food Science or related field with expected graduation Winter 2026 or Spring 2027.
• Strong academic record and demonstrated leadership in academic projects, extracurriculars, or work experiences.
• Adaptability, curiosity, and inventiveness with strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Create new products with consumer-first design.
• Improve existing products and optimize formulas for consumer appeal, manufacturing, and cost.
• Leverage knowledge of food science and ingredient functionality to develop remarkable products.
• Create new, improve existing, and eliminate waste from products and processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional internal partners to build and grow our businesses.
• Engage external partners around the world to increase efficiency and identify new capabilities.
• Interact with consumers and customers to develop meaningful insights and translate them into concepts and prototypes.
• Develop technical depth and business acumen.
• Apply or build digital tools to accelerate learning.
• Solve technical problems leveraging new or existing digital tools.
• Impact people’s lives and communities around the world.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership experience

Adaptability

Curiosity

Inventiveness

Communication skills

Education

MS or PhD in Food Science or related degree

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best — bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what's next.

Research & Development Food Scientist

General Mills makes food the world loves. The company is guided by its Accelerate strategy to boldly build its brands, relentlessly innovate, unleash itsscaleand stand for good. General Millsoperatesin more than 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, includingCheerios, Nature Valley, Blue Buffalo, Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Totino's, Annie's, Wanchai Ferry and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, General Mills generated fiscal 2026net sales U.S.$18billion.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AT GENERAL MILLS?

The General Mills R&D Leadership Development Program is a great way to kick-off your career. As part of the program, you will have 2-3 robust experiences in your first few years at General Mills, building broad experience in technical foundations, functional depth, and professional development. You'll develop and enhance your digital skills in this role, gaining experience in data analysis, project management, and/or collaboration tools. The program allows candidates to demonstrate leadership, embrace a learning mindset, build a strong network of peers, develop business context, and learn the General Mills and Innovation, Technology & Quality (ITQ) culture.

WHAT WILL I DO?

• Create new products with an emphasis on consumer-first design
• Improve existing products and optimize formulas for consumer appeal, manufacturing, and cost
• Leverage knowledge of food science and ingredient functionality to develop remarkable products
• Create new, improve existing, and eliminate waste from products and processes
• Collaborate with cross-functional internal partners to build and grow our businesses
• Engage external partners around the world to increase efficiency and to identify new capabilities
• Interact with consumers and customers to develop meaningful insights and translate them into concepts, prototypes, and commercial offerings
• Develop technical depth and business acumen
• Apply or build digital tools to accelerate learning
• Solve technical problems leveraging new or existing digital tools
• Impact people’s lives and communities around the world

WHERE WILL I WORK?

James Ford Bell Technical Center in Minneapolis, MN

IS THIS YOU?

Minimum Qualifications

• Pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. in Food Science or related degree
• Graduating in Winter 2026 or Spring 2027

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong academic record
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results and a commitment to developing technical and business skills
• Adaptability, curiosity, and inventiveness
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, passion for R&D, enthusiasm, and the ability to conduct themselves professionally
• Demonstrated leadership experience in academic projects, extracurricular activities, or previous work experiences

HUNGRY FOR WHAT'S NEXT?

• Start Date of February 2027 or July 2027
• Relocation assistance (if eligible)

The base salary for this position is $83,000.General Mills is committed to providing fair and competitive pay that reflects your skills, experience, performance, and academic background. Beyond your salary, you'll receive a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall wellbeing, including:

• Competitive salary and eligibility for our annual incentive program
• A strong retirement program with a generous 401(k) match and company contribution.
• Modern health plans and resources for physical, mental and financial wellbeing
• A robust time-off program for a healthy work-life balance
• Extensive training and development programs for career growth

We believe in investing in our employees and fostering a collaborative environment where everyone can thrive. Benefits may vary by role, location and other employment status factors.

Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. General Mills will not sponsor applicants for this position for work visas.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must meet a minimum 18-year age qualification.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)

General Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or familial status, status regarding public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.

REASONABLE ACCOMODATION REQUEST

If you need to request an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please fill out our online accommodation request form by following this link: Accommodation Request.