At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all.

The Food Innovation Team at Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America is seeking an organized and scientifically oriented summer intern.
This role focuses on contributing to innovation and sustainability in the food ingredient space. During the summer of 2025, the intern will tackle real-life challenges, gain customer exposure, and achieve both personal and team accomplishments. As an intern, you will be assigned to one or multiple projects, providing an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in food science research and innovation 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:

• Completed Junior-level or higher Bachelor of Science, or master's student in foods science or adjacent fields such as chemistry, chemical engineering, bioengineering, or culinology with a strong chemistry background.
• Must be full-time student with at least 1 academic year remaining, or between BS and MS degrees.
• Laboratory experience preferred

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.
• 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.

• Basic knowledge of sensory evaluation and consumer testing methods is plus. 
• 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:

• Provide technical knowledge and expertise to contribute to solving ingredient, product, and processing issues.
• Document processes, formulas, ingredients, and results related to production tests, samples and product evaluations consistent with Ajinomoto standard operating procedures.
• Assist in evaluating and setting up ingredient and food cuttings, including assisting in administering sensory evaluations.

• Analyze data from experiments, trials and shelf-life testing, drawing meaningful insights and providing recommendations for future innovation.

• Participate in brainstorming sessions to identify emerging ingredient trends and new development opportunities within the innovation strategy framework.
• Attend and showcase innovative solutions and ingredients to a global audience at the largest US food trade show, Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Food Expo based in Chicago, IL as an Ajinomoto representative.
• 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 and will not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, age (40 or older) or genetic information (including family medical history) for recruitment, hiring, and promotion decisions.