Research and Development Intern

SUMMARY

The Research and Development intern assists R&D team on various projects and supports day-to-day Team operations. This position works onsite, primarily normal business hours, Monday to Friday. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES may include the following: 

• Assist with the development of new cheese products; bench-top, pilot and/or plant trials, product analysis, organoleptic analysis, formula modifications, validation, and commercialization. 
• Create product samples through bench-top formulation, pilot and/or plant trials.  
• Develop and execute product test plans, which may include sensory analysis, analytical testing, or functionality testing.   
• Compile test data, analyze findings, and summarize data to present during internship.   
• Analytical testing of milk, cheese, cheese blends, or raw ingredients; fat, moisture, salt, pH, sugar content.  
• Product functionality testing of cheese or cheese blends, including but not limited to melt analysis, convertibility, or texture analysis.  
• Participate in organoleptic sensory evaluations as they relate to product matching, new product development, and performance expectations. 
• Review scientific literature relating to cheese make, analytical methods, functionality, or sensory.  
• Complies with company safety, HACCP, and GMP policies during plant trials and other plant activities. 

QUALIFICATIONS  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

Pursuing a degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or other related fields with sophomore, junior, or senior standing. 

Successful completion of Chemistry course. 

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Rudimentary knowledge of basic scientific principles, laboratory and microbiological methods, techniques, and procedures. 
• Strong attention to detail to achieve thoroughness and accuracy in everyday responsibility. 
• Analytical ability to review data and define conclusions and recommendations. 
• Resourceful – seeks ideas, information and resources to overcome challenges. 
• Ability to work independently as well as on a team. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   

While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.  The Team Member is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The Team Member must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the team member may be exposed to hazardous substances as outlined in the Chemical Hygiene Plan.  The noise level in the work environment is occasionally loud.