R&D Chemistry Laboratory Intern (Austin MN) - Summer 2027 - Campus Recruiting

About Hormel Foods Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS ® , SKIPPY ® , SPAM ® , HORMEL ® NATURAL CHOICE ® , APPLEGATE ® , WHOLLY ® , HORMEL ® BLACK LABEL ® , COLUMBUS ® , JENNIE-O ® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The Company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report and one of America’s most responsible companies by Newsweek, was recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World’s Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com . Job Title: R&D Product Development Intern Job Purpose: The primary purpose of this position is to develop practical laboratory skills and to gain real world experience in the successful manufacturing of food products. The intern supports testing, sample preparation, data collection, and quality assurance activities while learning industry best practices and laboratory protocols. Responsibilities: Works with an intermediate degree of supervision and/or detailed procedures. Performs routine, complex and occasionally highly complex assays in the Chemistry Lab (all activities must be performed in a safe, accurate and efficient manner. Performs other duties assigned, including responsibilities in other areas of Research and Development. Practice communication skills, use analytical techniques, and apply critical thinking skills. Projects may include: Chemistry method validation or improvement. Foreign material cataloguing and organization. Laboratory information management system (LIMS) testing. Project presentation to lab work group at conclusion of internship. Required Qualifications: Must have at least Junior status (graduate in August 2027, December 2027, or May 2028) and major in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, or related field with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA preferred. Strong math skills and basic lab skills including quantitative and qualitative analysis. Possess a strong work ethic and analytical/problem solving skills. Must be capable of standing for extended periods of time, handle strong odors and may, on occasion, have to lift 50 lbs. Demonstrated leadership experience through academic, professional, volunteer, or extracurricular activities. Strong work ethic, initiative, and desire to learn. Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively in a team environment. Ability to work safely in a pilot plant and manufacturing environments. Must be authorized to work in the United States. Applicants must not now, or any time in the future, require sponsorship for an employment visa. Preferred Qualifications: Previous food manufacturing, meat processing, laboratory, or product development experience. Knowledge of food formulation principles and food processing operations. Experience with laboratory testing methods and data analysis. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities. Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas. About Our Internship Program: The Hormel Foods internship program is designed with your growth in mind. As an intern, you'll gain hands-on experience working on meaningful projects that support real business initiatives while developing the skills and confidence needed to launch your career. In addition to day-to-day responsibilities, you'll have opportunities to connect with fellow interns, build your professional network, participate in development and learning sessions, and interact with leaders across the organization. You'll leave the summer with valuable experience, lasting connections, and a deeper understanding of what it's like to work for a Fortune 500 company. We're proud to be recognized among the nation's Top 150 Internship Programs by Vault. Duration: Our summer internship program runs 10-12 weeks and starts in late May and ends in early August. Hours: This is a temporary, full-time, hourly position. Interns can expect to work approximately 40 hours per week and may be eligible for overtime based on business needs. Location: This is an on-site position based out of our Research & Development Laboratories at our Corporate Headquarters in Austin, MN. Hormel Foods does not currently offer remote internship opportunities. Compensation/Benefits: Competitive hourly pay of $24.50 paid on a weekly basis Housing assistance through either a housing stipend or company-provided housing, depending on location Reimbursement of eligible relocation expenses Reimbursement for approved business-related expenses Opportunity to participate in a 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match Paid time off (PTO) accrual Hands-on experience with a Fortune 500 company Professional development opportunities and networking experiences At Hormel we invite difference and diversity in all aspects. We offer a space of support, understanding, and community. We are committed to the journey! Learn more about our progress here: https://www.hormelfoods.com/about/inclusion-and-belonging/ Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.