Research and Development Intern
About SunOpta: SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better‑for‑you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers’ growth with high‑quality, sustainability‑forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e‑commerce channels across North America.
About the role
This is a 12‑week program where interns will apply the knowledge and skills they've gained in the classroom by working alongside professionals at SunOpta. As part of the team, interns will gain valuable hands‑on experience, contribute to meaningful projects, and improve processes. They will also gain insight into the latest trends in the food industry while helping to create new and innovative products.
Responsibilities
- Improve current product (beverages, fruit snacks, or ingredients) yield and quality
- Conduct bench‑top and pilot experiments, sample preparation, analytical testing, and product evaluations
- Support sensory testing, shelf‑life studies, and data collection
- Assist on process and product documentation
- Assist with ingredient research, literature review, and technical documentation
- Collaborate with other cross‑functional teams like QA, Engineering, Procurement and Marketing
Requirements
- Candidates must be working towards a bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Nutrition, Microbiology or a related field.
- Candidates must be at least a sophomore in college and actively pursuing a degree.
- Graduate students will be considered.
Qualifications
- Previous internship experience.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Skills
Strong interpersonal, problem‑solving, and leadership skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Pay
$20.00/hour
Schedule
12‑week program, running May 17, 2027 through August 6, 2027.
Location: Corporate Office in Eden Prairie, MN. Travel may be required to various SunOpta locations for plant trials or other job‑related functions. Relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.