Research & Development Scientist, Pet Food - Campus Recruiting

General Mills, Inc; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Total Rewards package

Relocation assistance

Job summary

General Mills in Minneapolis, MN, is seeking a Research & Development Scientist, Pet Food, as part of its R&D Leadership Development Program. You will gain 2-3 experiences in technical foundations, project management and collaboration tools while building leadership and business acumen.

Responsibilities include creating consumer-focused pet foods, improving formulas, and collaborating across teams to translate insights into products. Start dates February 2027 or July 2027.

Qualifications

• Strong academic record and evidence of technical and business skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Commitment to leadership development and professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Create new pet food products with consumer-first design.
• Improve existing products and optimize formulas for pet safety and cost.
• Apply animal science knowledge to develop and commercialize products.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to grow the business.
• Develop understanding of product development, formulation, and trials.
• Engage external partners to improve efficiency and capabilities.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Collaboration

Adaptability

Education

MS/PhD in Animal Science or Animal Nutrition

Graduating Winter 2026 or Spring 2027

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 Scientist, Pet Food

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

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 pet and pet parent appeal, manufacturing, and cost
• Leverage knowledge of animal science/nutrition and ingredient functionality to develop remarkable products
• Champion food safety, pet safety, pet parent insights, and product quality from product design through production
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to build and grow our businesses
• Develop a sound understanding of pet food product development, formulation, and commercialization through the execution of pilot plant and manufacturing trials
• Engage external partners to increase efficiency and to identify new capabilities
• Interact with pet parents 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 and pet's lives and communities

WHERE WILL I WORK?

James Ford Bell Technical Center in Minneapolis, MN

IS THIS YOU?

Minimum Qualifications:

• Pursuing a M.S. or Ph.D. in Animal Science, Animal Nutrition 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.