Research & Development—Foodservice Intern

Grande Custom Ingredients Group; Fond du Lac (WI); On-site; USD 15,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Farm to fork tour

Networking events

Group outings and events

Volunteer opportunities

Personal development training

Job summary

Grande Custom Ingredients Group invites applications for an R&D Intern – Trademark Excellence Sensory Insights to support sensory science and product quality initiatives. You will work on projects evaluating flavor, functionality, and performance, and contribute to study design, execution, and documentation.

The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, applying statistical analysis to trial data, and presenting findings to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor's degree in food science or related field.
• Sophomore status or higher at an accredited college/university.
• Interest in R&D with focus on sensory science and product quality.
• Willingness to taste foods and document observations using sensory tools.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent sensory and R&D projects focused on product quality, flavor, and functionality.
• Analyze trial results using statistical methods with support as needed.
• Communicate findings through written reports and verbal presentations.
• Assist with daily lab projects, surveys, and evaluations.
• Support trial planning, testing, data collection, and documentation with scientists.

Skills

Sensory analysis

Statistical methods

Excel

Documentation

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science

Tools

Excel

Job 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 meet high standards for flavor, functionality, and performance.

Interns in our department have completed projects such as operating and analyzing samples using an electronic nose, providing sensory evaluations of cheese 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, assist with trial design, execution, and documentation, analyze results using appropriate statistical techniques, 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.

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’ll work 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.

What You Will Be Doing

• Project Work
• With appropriate guidance and supervision, conduct independent sensory and R&D research projects focused on product quality and its impact on performance, flavor, and functionality.
• Analyze trial results using appropriate statistical methods, with support as needed.
• Communicate research findings through both written reports and verbal presentations.
• Assist with daily projects, surveys, and evaluations conducted in the lab
• 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.

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 you don’t have 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, Sensory Science, 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
• Able to maintain confidentiality

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’re delivering the very best pizza to their customers or assisting our food manufacturing partners in delivering specialty whey ingredient solutions, our commitment to quality can’t be matched. While Grande’s reputation of excellence 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‑art corporate headquarters, visit www.grande.com.