Research & Development Global Research Internship/Placement Year 2026

Job Description

Are You Ready to Make It Happen at Mondelēz International?

Join our Mission to Lead the Future of Snacking. Make It Matter.

As an organization we are committed to developing the next generation of Makers and Bakers. Joining us at an early career stage in our fast paced and ever changing environment will enable you to do more, learn more and grow more. You will be encouraged to step outside your comfort zone– you may even surprise yourself! We will ensure you are given the support you need to be at your best and enable you to be yourself and bring passion and personality. Here you can lean in and speak up and bring your own flavor.

Big enough to reach the top. Small enough to help you get off the ground. 

Are you studying towards a Food Science, Chemistry, or other scientific discipline (e.g. Biology, Biochemistry, Food & Nutrition, Physical Sciences, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering)? Do you want a taste of the career you could have with Mondelez? Sink your teeth into one of our sweet internships. 

Our Internships are 12 months long (although some roles have the flexibility to be shorter) and during your placement, we’ll make you an integral part of our team and give you a real job – with real responsibilities – from day one. We hope to help you expand your horizons and encourage your personal and professional development.  

We want to make sure you get the most from your time with us. That’s why once you join we’ll work out ambitious but achievable goals for you. Then through the support of a mentor and regular reviews with your manager, we’ll help you achieve them. 

Life in Research and Development Quality (RDQ): 

As an intern in R&D at Mondelēz International, you’ll take ownership of projects. You will contribute to the future of snacking by keeping the consumer at the heart of our innovation. Deliverables may include producing technical reports and presentations, sharing insights with stakeholders and fostering transparency and collaboration. You will have the opportunity to work with the broader RDQ community, business functions, and external suppliers, building your network and confidence. Beyond your primary project, you may support ongoing activities, gaining diverse experiences and contributing to a sustainable future. For some roles, occasional international travel may be required.

About the role: 

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the exciting world of food innovation. As an R&D Intern, you'll work alongside experienced food scientists and product developers, contributing to the creation and improvement of some of the world's most beloved snack brands. This is a chance to learn about the entire product development lifecycle and work with global and regional stakeholders to drive innovation, product quality, productivity and sustainability.

As a member of the Global Research department, you’ll be at the heart of supporting the next big breakthroughs, investigating fundamental science and technologies that can impact all our beloved brands from chocolate and biscuits to spreads and gummies. You’ll own and deliver a project supporting the research team that you’ll be a part of. If you're passionate about science, have a knack for problem-solving, and crave hands-on experience, this 12-month internship in Reading, is your golden ticket.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lab Magic: Plan and execute experiments of all sizes, from benchtop to pilot plant, getting hands-on with the tools and techniques that bring our ideas to life. Supporting the ownership and maintenance of our Ingredient Research Innovation Space (IRIS).

• Personal Project: scope and deliver a project across the internship that adds to Mondelez’s fundamental scientific knowledge…. and have the opportunity to share this with product teams.

• Sensory Science: Coordinate informal sensory assessments to help refine our research work and support in the on-going critical to business sensory initiatives.

• Problem Solver: Work autonomously to analyse, interpret, and present scientific data clearly and concisely. Use creative thinking and problem-solving techniques to challenge assumptions, innovate, and build on existing ideas.

• Quality Champion: Follow quality and food safety procedures, maintaining the highest standards of work and H&S.

What We're Looking For:

Education: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or other scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Food & Nutrition, Physical Sciences, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering) with a predicted end grade of a 2:1 - (or equivalent). 

• Communication skills: Demonstrates strong analytical, communication and presentation abilities. 

• Technical Rigor: Able to apply scientific approach to new situations whilst maintaining a well thought out approach.

• Initiative: Self-motivated, hands-on, enthusiastic, and quick to learn. A pro-active and highly motivated team player who thrives on new challenges, building relationships, and working autonomously.

• Agility: Able to manage multiple tasks, adapt quickly, and respond to feedback constructively.

• Collaborative Mindset: Comfortable working in diverse teams with project managers, marketers, scientists, engineers, and suppliers.

• Creativity & Curiosity: You love to explore, ideate, and challenge the norm. You’re not afraid to ask, “what if?” or “Why?”. You show eagerness to grow and learn and bring fresh ideas. 

This position does not meet the minimum salary requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Therefore, we are unable to consider applicants who require sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.

Additional desirable skills:

Passion/inquisitiveness about food, food trends, nutrition, wellbeing and food production. 

What you'll gain:

• Real-World Experience: Dive headfirst into the world of food science with hands-on experience at the very front end of Food research for a leading global snacking company

• Skill Development: Hone your technical skills in food formulation, processing and analysis. Develop your problem-solving, and communication skills, setting you up for a successful career.

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with leading scientists and industry professionals, building a valuable network for your future. Be exposed to how large businesses interact across global sites and product formats.

• Impactful Contribution: Be part of a team that's shaping the future of food and making a difference in people's lives.

Starting salary: £23,000

Closing date for applications is midday Tuesday 21st October 2025.

We will be holding our final stage assessment center for this role in-person at our Bournville offices on Tuesday 25th & Wednesday 26th of November 2025. Reasonable travel expenses will be covered.

The experience of one of our previous interns:

"As a global research intern, I was treated as full member of the team from day one, given full autonomy to deliver a project over the 12-month internship. I supported the day-to-day running of Research’s innovation space with its analytical and processing equipment.

I was provided with coaching and mentoring from experienced team members as I scoped, planned, and delivered projects looking at developing the fundamental knowledge that informs current and future products across multiple categories.

Being in global research I was exposed to all Mondelez’s categories beyond chocolate, working on biscuit & baked snacks, or supporting other department members investigating gum and candy. This gave me a broad understanding of what goes into keeping a big company competitive in the food industry.

I was given the opportunity to present my project to and engage with senior stakeholders, sharing data and modelling systems that I had developed for my intern project, skills which were not know to me when I joined the intern program.

It’s been an amazing year, which has shown me what research is like in large businesses. Through networking, I’ve learned how broad Research and Development is, and the opportunities it can provide. I’d definitely recommend an internship with Global Research and Mondelez "

For more details on our Early Careers schemes and advice on our application process, visit our careers site today - Early Careers - UK | Mondelēz International, Inc. (mondelezinternational.com)

Mondelēz is a diverse and inclusive employer with an objective to ensure a fair and equal hiring process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to apply or throughout our assessment process please contact [email protected] stating “UK&I Early Careers” as the subject.

Our candidate requirements are based on criteria to enable you to succeed in the role. If you have narrowly missed the above requirements and there are extenuating circumstances that you would like us to consider, you can let us know by contacting [email protected] stating “UK&I Early Careers” as the subject and attaching a letter from your school/university to confirm your extenuating circumstances.

Relocation Support Available?

Business Unit Summary

We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help one of our associates grow professionally before recruiting new talent to our open positions. If you think the open position you see is right for you, we encourage you to apply!

Our people make all the difference in our succes

Mondelēz International is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Excited to grow your career?

We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help one of our associates grow professionally before recruiting new talent to our open positions. If you think the open position you see is right for you, we encourage you to apply!

IF YOU REQUIRE SUPPORT TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION OR DURING THE INTERVIEW PROCESS, PLEASE CONTACT THE RECRUITER

Job Type

Intern (Fixed Term)InternsEarly Careers