Research & Development Intern

POSITION PURPOSE: The Food Innovation Team at Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc. is seeking an ambitious and dynamic Research and Development Intern. This role will contribute a fresh perspective to the creativity and critical thinking required to innovate and apply food science knowledge to real-life ingredients and food products. For 10 weeks, as an intern you will experience real-life challenges, exposure to customers, a chance to challenge your curiosity, and enjoy accomplishments both personal and as a team.

As an intern, you will be assigned to one or multiple projects. This is an opportunity to get your hands dirty and earn boots-on-the-ground experience in the food science research and innovation space at a global company.

The individual will be responsible for providing technical support to new product development, ingredient innovation, sample preparation, and sensory evaluation across our diverse portfolio of food ingredients and applications. The intern will be in this position for 10 weeks over the summer, with timing flexible for the right candidate. This is a paid, in-person internship.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Preferably, seeking upper classman in Bachelor of Science programs or Master’s student in Food Science or adjacent fields such as chemistry or chemical engineering with an interest in food science.
• Must be full-time student on break, or between BS and MS degrees.
• >1-2 years laboratory experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of food science principals, laboratory best practices, documentation while working in a laboratory/formulation setting within food or drug industry.
• Initiative to work independently. Self-motivated with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficient oral and written communication skills
• Comfortable and experienced with Excel, Word, and other general computer applications

OCCUPATIONAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to stand for an extended period
• Must be able to lift 30 pounds
• Must be safety oriented

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In partnership with other R&D team members, ideate, formulate, and develop formulations in support of key future-looking values, specifically in the plant-based, allergen-free, and clean-label space.
• Provide technical knowledge and expertise to contribute to solving ingredient, product, and processing issues.                    
• Effectively collaborate with other scientists, culinary, sales, and marketing departments as well as participate in cross functional teams as requested.
• Attend the largest US food trade show, Institute of Food Technologists Annual Food Expo based in Chicago, IL as an Ajinomoto representative.
• Research how Ajinomoto ingredients function in different applications and processes. Create new and innovative formulations for customers and/or tradeshows.
• Assist in shelf-life preparations and evaluations. Assist in evaluating and setting up ingredient and food cuttings, including assisting in administering sensory evaluations.
• Document processes, formulas, ingredients, and results related to production tests, samples and product evaluations consistent with Ajinomoto standard operating procedures.
• Perform all work in accordance with Ajinomoto GMP, Allergen, and Quality Programs and participate in annual training for these programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Effectively collaborate with other scientists, culinary, sales, and marketing departments as well as participate in cross functional teams as requested. 

Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer.