Research and Development Intern

Perdue Farms is a family-owned food and agriculture company heading into it's second century of growth and innovation. We were founded on trust a value that carries through everything we do. Perdue Foods is a leader in Premium Proteins and Perdue AgriBusiness ranks among the top US grain companies.SummaryCome join us at our Innovation Center for Summer 2025! Our Research and DevelopmentInternshipoffer students hands-on, real-world experience within the company over an 10- 12week period.In this role you will work with an experienced mentor to learn the basics for R&D. A specific project will also be assigned to the intern at the beginning of the summer and conclude with a brief report and presentation on the results of the project at the end of the internship.What can you expect from a Perdue summer internship?Competitive PayExciting Social, Philanthropic, and Networking Events with other Perdue InternsHands-On, Real World Work Experience and a Dedicated Summer MentorLearning WorkshopsTravel to Perdue Locations Such as our Innovation Center, Perdue Learning University and Live Production FarmsInteraction with Senior LeadershipHousing StipendAPPLICATION DEADLINE: December 31, 2024This position has a target wage of $15.60 - $23.40 per hour, based on shift, experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance). Overtime may be available.In addition to hourly wages, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vison, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.What You Will Learn & Main ResponsibilitiesAssistin the preparation of benchtop samples, pilot plant production, product cuttings & evaluation, sensory analyses and lab analyses.Learndifferent aspects of howResearch and Development areasoperatewhilegetting hands-on, real world work experience.Technical areas may include but are not limited to: Product Development, Process Development, Packaging Development and Sensory AnalysesTravel to different plant operations facilites to observe processes.Summer interns will be exposed to product development, process development, data collection & analyses, sensory and lab analyses. Additionally, a project will be assigned to you at the beginning of the internship, which will culminate with a brief presentation of results and findings. Minimum EducationMust be a rising Junior, Senior or Graduate Studentcurrently pursuing a Bachelors, Masters or PhD degree at an accredited university in a relevant field of study. Meat Science, Food Science, Packaging Scienceor relatedmajors preferred.Must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA or higherExperience RequirementsMust be proficient in Microsoft Office and able to learn new softwareHave strong communication skills, including written and verbalMust be able to work independently or in teamsProactive self-start who works well with minimal supervisionPositive attitude and a team playerExcellent organizational skills and attention to detailsAbility to lift and move up to 50 lbsExperience Preferred3.25 GPA or higher is highly preferredCompleted college-level classes (Meat Science, Food Chemistry, Packaging or similar courses)Student extra-curricular experiencesPerdue Farms, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.