Sensory and Products Research Intern, Summer 2027
Apply on Hostess Brands's site
Your Opportunity as an Intern
This posting represents two internship opportunities: Sensory and R&D Products Research. Both roles are looking for students interested in sensory and consumer research. While both apply scientific rigor to understand our products and serve as a voice for the consumer, they are separate functions with different day-to-day work.
Location: Orrville, Corporate Offices
Work Arrangements: 75%+ in office expectations
Sensory Intern
Your opportunity as a Sensory Intern. As an intern within our Sensory Lab, you will perform routine sensory panel testing of finished goods both with internal employees and external panelists (including adults and children). You will provide quality customer service to panelists and support laboratory projects which includes assisting Sensory staff with set up of taste panels, running the panels, perform regular laboratory upkeep, etc. You will work closely with our R&D Products Research team. You will conduct a Sensory project and give a presentation on your findings at the end of your internship.
In this role you will:
- Apply sensory evaluation methodologies to organize and execute consumer and trained panels through independent and teamwork, including product procurement.
- Maintain thorough lab records with instructions, protocols, and panel execution records.
- Maintain a clean and organized laboratory work environment including managing lab supply inventory.
- Maintain a strong focus on customer service to effectively communicate and have positive interactions with all panelists/consumers.
- Work and communicate effectively and productively with peers and project teams.
- Provide support to training other departments or locations for sensory evaluation needs, such as Research & Development or plant quality teams.
R&D Products Research Intern
Your opportunity as a Products Research Intern. Help manage and conduct hands-on consumer research projects – supporting research studies, analyzing data, and reporting on findings that help translate consumer needs into better products. You will conduct multiple Products Research projects and give a presentation on your findings at the end of your internship.
In this role you will:
- Own a hands-on consumer research project – from objective setting, design, fielding, analysis, and technical translation to final share-out.
- Support ongoing consumer research studies within the organization, including questionnaires, screeners, and sensory preparation requirements.
- Help turn consumer needs into practical product design criteria and success measures.
- Support product testing and competitive benchmarking to inform design targets.
- Analyze research data and clearly report key findings and recommendations to the team.
- Keep clear records of research designs, results, and next steps.
- Work and communicate effectively and productively with peers and project teams and collaborate with cross-functional partners such as Insights, Marketing, Product Development, and Sensory.
What we are looking for:
- A Sophomore, Junior or Senior standing in school with requisite educational experience in Food Science, Nutritional Science, Engineering, Consumer Sciences, or related science field.
- A well-rounded skill set including a curious mindset, strong time-management, communication, ability to keep detail-oriented records, proven leadership abilities, good organization, teamwork skills, project management skills, and a familiarity with sensory evaluation/lab research testing.
Why Choose the J.M. Smucker Company’s Internship Program?
Are you seeking an exceptional internship experience at a Fortune 500 company? At Smucker, we are dedicated to providing a world-class, award-winning internship that offers you the opportunity to:
- Learn: Unlock your potential in a collaborative and supportive environment where you are treated like a true peer and challenged to be your best.
- Grow: Benefit from hands-on training with a dedicated mentor and connect with peers and leaders throughout the company.
- Lead: Contribute to high-profile projects that support our Company’s growing categories like snacks, coffee and pet food.
Additional Perks:
Along with engaging work, we offer a variety of benefits to ensure your internship is both rewarding and memorable. These include:
- Unique opportunities to network and interact with company leadership
- Customized professional development sessions
- Networking events and social outings with fellow interns
- Access to a fully equipped fitness center, complete with a basketball court, indoor walking track, and recreational league sports
- The Orchard, our gourmet cafeteria, offering breakfast and lunch with seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients
- A competitive compensation package, including paid corporate holidays
- Compensation range: $21.50/hr-$25.00/hr
- Actual hourly rate is determined based upon the year of college that will be completed at the start of the internship
- A housing stipend for interns relocating for the program
Experience an internship where you can learn, grow, and lead — all while being part of something special at Smucker.
The Right Place for You
We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.
Stay connected with us on LinkedIn®
We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.
About Hostess Brands
Hostess Brands is a packaged food company focused on developing, manufacturing, marketing, selling and distributing fresh baked sweet goods.
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