R&D Intern, Protein Fortification & Analytical Characterization

About Ingredion

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create. Location: Bridgewater, NJ Workplace type: On Site We have an exciting opportunity for an ambitious student to join our Analytical Characterization & Texture Science team to help explore how plant proteins and texturizing ingredients work together in food for summer 2027! As the R&D Intern, Protein Fortification & Analytical Characterization, you will contribute to a research project using confocal microscopy and complementary analytical techniques to study interactions between pulse proteins and other hydrocolloids. Working with scientists across the Protein Fortification innovation team you will prepare samples, collect and analyze experimental data, and connect food microstructure with important application properties utilizing machine learning. This internship is designed as a hands-on learning opportunity. Prior confocal microscopy experience is helpful but not required, and training will be provided.

What you will do

Prepare and evaluate model food systems containing pulse proteins and hydrocolloids. Support confocal microscopy experiments by preparing samples, collecting images, and performing basic analysis to link microstructure to formulation properties. Perform complementary laboratory measurements related to product formulation needs - including viscosity, emulsification, and texture. Organize and analyze experimental results to identify relationships b