R&D Chemistry Lab Intern-Summer 2026

R&D Chemistry Laboratory Intern 

To save time applying, Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position at this time.

ABOUT HORMEL FOODS — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters®, Skippy^®, SPAM^®, Hormel^® Natural Choice^®, Applegate^®, Justin’s^®, Wholly^®, Hormel^® Black Label^®, Columbus^®, Jennie-O® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America’s most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World’s Best Companies, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™ — to bring some of the world’s most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com.

Job Purpose:  To gain real world experience as a technician in an accredited food laboratory.

Responsibilities:

• Works with an intermediate degree of supervision and/or detailed procedures.
• Performs routine, complex and occasionally highly complex assays in the Chemistry Lab (all activities must be performed in a safe, accurate and efficient manner.
• Performs other duties assigned, including responsibilities in other areas of Research and Development.
• Practice communication skills, use analytical techniques, and apply critical thinking skills.
• Projects may include:
  • Chemistry method validation or improvement.
  • Foreign material cataloguing and organization.
  • Laboratory information management system (LIMS) testing.
• Project presentation to lab work group at conclusion of internship.

Requirements:

• Must have at least Junior status (graduate in August 2026, December 2026, or May 2027) and major in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, or related field with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA preferred.
• Strong math skills and basic lab skills including quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Possess a strong work ethic and analytical/problem solving skills.
• Must be capable of standing for extended periods of time, handle strong odors and may, on occasion have to lift 50 lbs.
• Must be a Citizen or National of the United States, a lawful, permanent resident, or have authorization to work in the United States.
• Applicants must not now, or any time in the future, require sponsorship for an employment visa.
• Must be comfortable with the preparation and consumption of various Hormel Foods products which may include but are not limited to pork, beef, chicken, and nuts
• This position will require access to and/or the utilization of a personal motor vehicle to get to and from the workplace.

Location and Hours:

• Position is based out of our Research & Development Laboratories at our Corporate Headquarters in Austin, MN.
• Position is approximately 40 hours per week beginning late May and ending mid-August

Compensation:

• Competitive wage: $24/hr
• Company provided housing 
• Reimbursement of all expenses incurred on the job
• Company 401k match
• Earn Paid Time Off (PTO)

Hormel Foods Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.