WinField United Research & Development Lab Intern, Summer 2027

Land O'Lakes; Town of River Falls (WI); On-site; USD 29,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Land O’Lakes invites students to join the WinField United Research & Development Lab for Summer 2027 in River Falls, WI. You’ll contribute to chemistry, biology, phenotyping, and lab activities on a hands‑on, project‑based internship.

The role emphasizes independent work, strong communication, and safety in lab settings, with a 11‑week schedule (May–August 2027) and a $25/hour pay rate. Relocation assistance may be provided for eligible candidates.

Qualifications

• Sophomore or junior undergraduate pursuing a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, horticulture, plant science, plant pathology, or related field.
• Required GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Internship duration May–August 2027.

Responsibilities

• Support chemistry, biology, phenotyping, and lab operations within the Product Development group.
• Assist in executing research trials and experiments in greenhouse, growth chamber, chemistry and laboratory settings.
• Prepare materials and experimental treatments; operate research equipment.
• Collect and analyze data; support development and validation of WinField United products.

Skills

Research interest

Work autonomously

Communication writing critical think

Time management

Collaboration interpersonal skills

Safety in lab

PPE adherence

Education

Sophomore or junior undergrad in chemistry/horticulture/plant science/plant pathology

GPA 3.0+

Job description

WinField United Research & Development Lab Intern, Summer 2027

When you intern at Land O’Lakes, you’re joining a Fortune 250 agribusiness and food production leader with more than 100 years of operations as a farmer- and member-owned cooperative. With business units spanning crop insight and inputs, animal nutrition, dairy foods, and sustainability solutions, you will experience a hands-on, purpose-driven internship. You’ll have opportunities to network with industry leaders, tour our state-of-the-art facilities, and be challenged with a business-critical project, all while gaining skills that will impact your career trajectory.

WinField United offers unmatched agricultural expertise to help farmers, retailers, and other partners succeed. As a customer-owned wholesale supplier of crop protection inputs, seed, and crop nutrients with a commitment to shaping the future of farming, we are uniquely positioned to help retailers and farmers implement modern farming practices. To help growers be profitable with the right inputs. To be even better stewards of precious land and water resources. To always be mindful of the next generation of farmers.

We have Research & Development Lab Intern openings available for Summer 2027 at our WinField United Innovation Center in River Falls, WI.

Internship Duration: 11 weeks (May – August 2027)

Interns are paid $25.00/hour. Relocation assistance may be provided to eligible candidates for the duration of the summer internship.

The interns will primarily support the chemistry, biological, phenotyping, and controlled environments laboratories within the Product Development group at the WinField United Innovation Center in River Falls, Wisconsin. The Innovation Center features greenhouses, growth chambers, chemistry laboratories, and specialized research facilities that support plant and agricultural research focused on both experimental and commercial products, including adjuvants, herbicides, seed treatments, and plant growth regulators across diverse cropping systems.

Interns will assist in the execution of research trials and experiments conducted in greenhouse, growth chamber, chemistry and laboratory settings. Responsibilities include preparing materials and experimental treatments, operating research equipment, conducting laboratory and greenhouse procedures, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting the development and validation of new and existing WinField United products. This role provides hands‑on experience in agricultural research, product development, and applied science within a collaborative innovation environment.

Experience‑Education (Required)

• Sophomore (preferred) or junior undergraduate pursuing a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, horticulture, plant science, plant pathology, or other related field of study

• Required GPA of 3.0 or higher

Competencies‑Skills (Preferred)

• Interest in conducting research.

• Ability to work without direct supervision.

• Excellent communication, writing, and critical thinking skills.

• Manage time and effectively prioritize and implement projects and general work tasks.

• Give and receive feedback, work collaboratively, exhibit effective social and interpersonal skills.

• Resourceful and innovative in finding solutions to problems.

• Flexible and can adapt to changing business surroundings.

• Ability to adhere to strict safety standards when handling crop protection products in lab setting.

• Properly wear chemical application equipment and personal protective equipment while working as required by job duties.

About Land O’Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best. Land O’Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root.

Land O’Lakes and our global entities support diversity in employment practices.

If you need to submit a reasonable accommodation request to complete the employment application process, please call the HR Solution Center at 844-LOL-HR4U (844-565-4748) M-F 8:00am-4:30pm CT.