Sensory Science Intern

Lactalis USA; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Lactalis USA in Buffalo, NY is offering a Sensory Science Intern position. You will assist sensory scientists with sample preparation and support panel activities within a fast-paced dairy research environment.

You will travel weekly to stores to collect products, help organize tastings, recruit and train panelists, and contribute to the Lactalis Passion for Taste program while gaining hands-on experience in data entry, analysis, and reporting.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or holding a Bachelors or Masters in Biology, Chemistry, Agriculture, etc.; Dairy or Food Science a plus.
• Interest in Sensory Science is a plus.
• Experience in conducting sensory testing, setup, and interpretation of results is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams, with minimal supervision.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist sensory scientists in preparing samples for sensory tests.
• Regularly drive to stores to obtain commercially available dairy products for panels.
• Organize sensory evaluation sessions with ballots, materials, and samples.
• Support recruitment and training of new sensory panelists.
• Assist in developing and maintaining the Lactalis Passion for Taste program.
• Support execution of different sensory tests, data entry, analysis, reporting, and sample submission.
• Demonstrate commitment to a safe working environment and travel may be required.

Skills

Sensory science interest

Data entry

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in a scientific field

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.

At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive—whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family‑owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award‑winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone’s® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go‑Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values—Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued.

From your PASSION to ours

Lactalis USA, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Sensory Science Intern based in Buffalo, NY. We're looking to secure this position as soon as possible (September 2026).

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Assist sensory scientists in preparing samples for sensory tests.


• Regularly drive to various stores to obtain commercially available dairy products for use by sensory expert panels and other tastings on a weekly basis.


• Organize sensory evaluation sessions with paper or electronic ballot, materials, and samples.


• Support sensory scientists in recruiting and training new sensory expert panelists as required.


• Assist the sensory scientists in developing and maintaining the Lactalis Passion for Taste program.


• Support the execution of different sensory tests, data entry, analysis, reporting, and sample submission to other disciplines.


• Demonstrate commitment to a safe working environment that promotes the health and wellbeing of all employees and that will further contribute to the Company’s overall performance and success.


• Travel and / or extended or off work hours may be required.


• This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.


• To fulfill these responsibilities, tools such as a computer, phone or, and / or allowance(s) may be provided.


• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these Essential Duties and Responsibilities.

Important Internship Start Date

This internship has an expected start date of September 14, 2026. Applicants should be available to begin the internship on or around this date.

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

Education

• Candidate will possess or be pursuing a Bachelors or Masters degree in scientific field (Biology, Chemistry, Agriculture, etc.; Dairy or Food Science a plus)

Experience

• Interest in Sensory Science is a plus.


• Experience in conducting sensory testing, setup, and interpretation of results is a plus.


• Strong attention to detail and excellent verbal and written communication skills.


• Need to be able to work independently and in teams, with minimal direct supervision.


• Demonstrated ability to interface and maintain effective relationships with all departments and employees in a team‑oriented organization.


• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines within specified time constraints.


• Ability to operate in a transversal environment, across multiple departments.


• Ability to adapt in a changing work environment.


• Valid driver’s license required.


• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Certifications and specific knowledge

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.


• Experience with electronic data collection systems and/or sensory evaluation software is a plus.


• Basic data entry, analysis, and reporting skills.


• Ability to accurately collect, organize, and interpret sensory data.


• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in sample preparation and test execution.

At Lactalis, we offer full-time employees (interns not included) a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally‑recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities.