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Food Microbiology Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Food Science, Biotechnology ... Laboratory experience through academic coursework, undergraduate research, internships, co-ops, or ...

$29 - $50/hr

Working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in a technical field (i.e., Engineering, Microbiology, Quality Management, Food Science or like degree) * Available to complete a 12-week internship ...

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Food Microbiology Internship information

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How much do food microbiology internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for food microbiology internship in the United States is $21.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food microbiology internship?

A Food Microbiology Internship is a temporary position designed for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in the field of food microbiology. Interns typically work in laboratories, assisting with testing and analyzing food samples for microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts, and molds that can affect food safety and quality. The internship provides exposure to standard microbiological techniques, data analysis, and regulatory standards relevant to the food industry. It is an excellent opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting and build skills necessary for a career in food safety or quality assurance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food microbiology intern?

To thrive as a Food Microbiology Intern, you need foundational knowledge in microbiology, food safety, and laboratory techniques, often gained through coursework in biology or food science. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, sterile techniques, and software like LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) is typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills for accurate data collection and collaboration with lab teams. These competencies ensure reliable testing, uphold food safety standards, and support quality assurance within the food industry.

What types of laboratory techniques and equipment will I typically use during a food microbiology internship?

During a Food Microbiology Internship, you will commonly work with techniques such as aseptic sampling, serial dilutions, plating, and microbial enumeration. You’ll get hands-on experience with equipment like autoclaves, incubators, laminar flow hoods, and microscopes. Interns often assist with testing food samples for pathogens, spoilage organisms, and indicator organisms, and may also learn molecular biology methods such as PCR. Collaboration with quality assurance and R&D teams is frequent, offering insight into both research and industry-standard food safety protocols.

What is the difference between Food Microbiology Internship vs Food Microbiologist?

AspectFood Microbiology InternshipFood Microbiologist
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in microbiology, food science, or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in microbiology, food science, or related field; professional certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, food production facilities, research labsLaboratories, food manufacturing plants, quality assurance departments
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by food companies, research institutions, and universitiesFood manufacturing companies, regulatory agencies, research institutions

The main difference between a Food Microbiology Internship and a Food Microbiologist is experience level and responsibilities. Internships are entry-level positions designed for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience, while Food Microbiologists are full-time professionals responsible for conducting microbiological testing, ensuring food safety, and compliance. Internships serve as a stepping stone toward becoming a Food Microbiologist.

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What cities are hiring for Food Microbiology Internship jobs?

Cities with the most Food Microbiology Internship job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Microbiology jobs?

The most popular types of Food Microbiology jobs are:

What states have the most Food Microbiology Internship jobs?

States with the most job openings for Food Microbiology Internship jobs include:

Infographic showing various Food Microbiology Internship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,914 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Nutrition & Quality Assurance Intern, Chartwells Higher Ed / Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte

Compass Group

Charlotte, NC • On-site

$13/hr

Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,097 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 500 rated business services


Job description

Location:

  • We are hiring for a Nutrition & Quality Assurance Intern position to start in August.
  • Address: 801 West Trade St Charlotte, NC Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: To be determined based on class schedule and business needs.
  • Pay Rate:  $13.00 per hour.

We Make Applying Easy!  Want to apply to this job via text messaging?  Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1545100

The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg

Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply.

Join our campus team where you are valued and empowered to make a difference. Enjoy competitive wages, benefits, and perks like Instapay through the One @Work app. Our careers are filled with purpose and encourage learning, growth, and meaningful impact. Apply today!

General Description:

You will be working closely with the leaders in the Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte hospitality group, developing skills and competencies that will help provide you with practical experience in preparing to apply to accredited Dietetic Internship programs or for anyone interested in the field of food science, food safety or quality assurance. You will gain valuable experience in the following areas: foodservice operations, nutrient analysis, marketing and promoting of health promoting foods, nutrition education campaigns, menu planning, food safety, sanitation, HACCP principles, planning and implementation of innovation and client relationship skills.

You Must Possess:

• Interest in the world of Contract Food Service Management

• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal

• Must be undergraduate student

• Detail orientation with strong organizational skills

• Enjoy building relationships

• General working knowledge of food service

• General interest and knowledge of food safety, sanitation and HACCP principles

Interest in one or more of the following

• Food Safety

• Food Science

• Quality Assurance

• Sanitation Systems

• HACCP

• Supply Chain Management

• Regulatory Compliance

• Environmental Health

• Food Microbiology

• Food Code Compliance

• Sustainability

• Carbon foot print

• Farm to Fork

• Special Dietary Needs (food allergies, intolerances)

Job Responsibilities (May include any or all):

• Safety: Safe food in a safe environment

• Assuring an exceptional guest experience

• Bring innovation into services

• Operational support of serving platforms

• Recipe Nutrient Analysis

• Menu Planning

• Support educational nutrition campaigns

• Executing operational standards

• Managing FDA regulation standards              

• Market Research

• Manage website and social networking profile content

• Maintain cohesive database of all food safety metrics that can be used for tracking and trending compliance

• Conduct routine food safety self-inspections

• Conduct one-on-one or group food safety training sessions

• Work with Quality Assurance Managers to find solutions to food safety challenges

• Participate in Board of Health inspections

• Participate in third party food safety audits

• Assist in the development of impactful audit corrective action plans that include preventative measures

• Participate in completion of corrective action plans

• Help monitor sustained improvement related to action items

• Work with Managers and Chefs to ensure all corrective /preventative action is effective and sustained

• Work with Managers and Chefs on continual improvement

• Observe food safety handling of associates and identify opportunities for improvement

• Participate in monitoring food temperatures through HACCP

• Assess HACCP program compliance deficiencies and develop strategies for improvement

Learning Objectives:

• Demonstrate awareness, understanding and skills necessary to work in a diverse environment

• Understand HACCP and how HACCP principles are applied in a food service environment

• Develop and execute a project as assigned by mentor to address a specific area of concern or opportunity for improvement

• Understand food service sanitation systems and processes

• Understand how cleaning and sanitizing programs are most effectively executed and validated

• Understand the food recall process and the role of retail food service in the process

• Be familiar with the Big 8 food allergens, and understand how the risk of allergic reactions is managed in retail food service

• Be familiar with common crisis scenarios the affect food service operations (loss of power, loss of water, boiled water notice, foodborne illness outbreaks, etc.) and the proper responses to these events

• Demonstrate awareness, understanding and skills necessary to work in a diverse environment.

• Experience opportunities to learn, observe, and practice a variety of nutrition and well-being experiences in the world of hospitality.

This internship should not be confused in any way with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics pre-professional internship requirement. This internship will provide relevant on the job experience in the field of foodservice nutrition. This internship does not replace an accredited internship program.

This is a paid intern position; however, it is not eligible for paid time off (PTO) or benefits such as medical, dental, vision, etc.

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Maryland, Washington State, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsHED.pdf

Because this position requires you to perform services in an educational facility, there may be periods when the Company does not require you to perform work (such as winter and summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the Company’s behalf may be unpaid and deemed a temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round, potentially at a different location during break periods.  Business needs may vary from year to year.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law. 
 

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. 

Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace. 


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