Research & Development—Foodservice Intern

Grande Cheese Company; Fond du Lac (WI); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Farm to fork experiences

Networking events

Group outings

Volunteer opportunities

Personal development training

Job summary

Grande Cheese Company is offering an on-site Research & Development—Foodservice Intern position. You will gain hands-on experience in sensory science and product quality initiatives to ensure flavor, functionality, and performance meet high standards.

Interns will work on projects using sensory methods, collaborate with scientists, and share findings through reports. The program emphasizes learning in food science, dairy, and sensory research while developing professional skills for a career in

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in food science or related field.
• Sophomore or greater status at an accredited college.
• Interest in R&D with focus on New Product Development, Sensory Science, or Microbiology.
• Must be willing to taste food products, evaluate sensory attributes, and document observations using sensory evaluation tools and charts.
• Strong Word and Excel skills with some statistics exposure.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent sensory and R&D projects focused on product quality and performance.
• Analyze trial results using statistical methods.
• Communicate research findings through reports and verbal presentations.
• Assist with daily projects, surveys, and evaluations in the lab.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on product quality and performance.

Skills

Sensory evaluation

Statistical analysis

Excel

Time management

Team collaboration

Self-starter

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science (pursuing)

High School Diploma or better

Sophomore or higher status

Tools

Electronic nose

Laboratory testing

Statistical software

Job description

Research & Development—Foodservice Intern

Job Category: Internships

Requisition Number: RESEA007035

• Posted : August 13, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

Job Summary

As an R&D Intern – Trademark Excellence Sensory Insights , you will gain hands‑on experience supporting sensory science and product quality initiatives that help ensure products consistently meethigh standardsfor flavor, functionality, and performance.

Interns in our department have completed projects such as operating and analyzing samples using an electronic nose, providing sensory evaluations ofcheese product and their ingredients, and planning and conducting their own sensory studies using a variety of testing methods. Interns in this role will have the chance to lead independent sensory projects,assistwith trial design, execution, and documentation, analyze results usingappropriate statisticaltechniques, and effectively share their findings.

Interns in this role can expect to further their learning in food, dairy, and sensory science, and other related fields in addition to collaboration, professionalism, attention to detail, time management, and more.

What You Will Be Doing

1. Project Work

• Withappropriate guidanceand supervision, conduct independent sensory and R&D research projects focused on product quality and its impact on performance, flavor, and functionality.
• Analyze trial results usingappropriate statisticalmethods, with support as needed.
• Communicate research findings through both written reports and verbal presentations.
• Assistwith daily projects, surveys, and evaluations conducted in the lab

2. Technical Support

• Support Scientists with trial planning,testing,execution, data collection, analysis, and project documentation.
• Work closely with the Trademark Excellence Sensory Insights team to learn, understand, and provide product insights and sensory analysis.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand how different departments contribute to product quality and performance.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a professional research environment while gaining real-world experience in sensory science and product quality.You'llwork closely with industry professionals, contribute to meaningful projects, and develop technical and professional skills that will help prepare you for a successful career in food science and R&D.

Unique Benefits of our Internship Program:

• You will get the farm to fork experience during this program. You will experience a farm tour, facility tours, and experience the end user products.
• Networking events where you will meet executives and community leaders.
• Internship group outings and events.
• Volunteer opportunities within the community.
• Personal development events and training.

While youdon’thave to love pizza to work here…it sure does help!

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in food science or a related scientific field.
• Student in sophomore or greater status at an accredited college or university.
• Interest in Research & Development with a focus on New Product Development, SensoryScience,and or Microbiology
• Must be willing and able to taste food products, evaluate sensory attributes, and document observations using sensory evaluation tools and charts
• mature, positive outlook with ability to focus on multiple duties across different areas
• Advanced Word and Excel skills- particularly graphing, table manipulation, and some statistical application
• Strong math skills with some exposure to statistics
• Strong work ethic, self-starter

Preferred Qualifications

• Involvement in campus organizations, student groups, athletics, volunteer activities, or other extracurricular leadership opportunities.

Why Grande?

With more than 80 years of crafting “The Finest Italian Cheeses That Money Can Buy”, Grande is a leader in the industry! Whether partnering with independent pizzerias from coast-to-coast to ensure‐they’redelivering thevery bestpizza to their customers orassistingour food manufacturing partners in delivering specialty whey ingredient solutions, our commitment to qualitycan’tbe matched. While Grande’s reputationofexcellence in the market is important, we believe our commitment to our workplace and community culture is of equal merit – our Associates come first at Grande. To complement our industry‑leading benefits, Grande puts an emphasis on your career growth opportunities, while always promoting a positive work/life balance and supporting the communities in which we live and work. If you want to learn more about our company – what we do and how we go about it – or learn more about our beautiful,state-of-the-artcorporate headquarters, visit www.grande.com .

Qualifications

Education

Required

High School Diploma or better in General Education.

Preferred

Some college or better in Food Science.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.