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Food Science Internship Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Food Science Internship information

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How much do food science internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for food science internship in Tennessee is $15.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food science internship?

A Food Science Internship is a temporary, practical work experience for students or recent graduates interested in the field of food science. Interns typically work with food scientists, technologists, or quality assurance teams to gain hands-on experience in food production, safety, product development, or research. These internships help participants apply theoretical knowledge from their studies to real-world situations and can improve their career prospects in the food industry. Tasks may include conducting experiments, analyzing food samples, assisting with product formulation, and maintaining lab equipment.

What are food science internship opportunities?

Food science internship opportunities include a variety of positions that involve working with food products. In one of these programs, you may research new ingredients, experience cooking with new products, or help provide feedback to current researchers. Food science internships often focus on specific types of products, such as supplements, food safety, or plant proteins. Internships are often relevant to future job opportunities, so it's important to consider whether or not the details of the internship match the kind of work you want to do in the future. Food science internships are most frequently available in the summer, but you may be able to find them at other times of the year as well.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food science intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Science Intern, you need a foundational understanding of food chemistry, microbiology, and nutrition, typically gained through coursework in food science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, food safety protocols (such as HACCP), and data analysis software like Excel is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, effective teamwork, and clear communication help interns contribute to research and quality assurance tasks. These skills ensure accurate experimental results, regulatory compliance, and smooth collaboration in food industry environments.

What types of projects or hands-on experiences can I expect during a food science internship?

As a Food Science Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of projects such as product development, quality assurance, sensory testing, and laboratory analysis. Interns often assist with formulating new recipes, conducting experiments to test food safety and shelf life, and analyzing nutritional content. You may also participate in cross-functional meetings with R&D, production, and marketing teams, gaining exposure to the entire product lifecycle. These experiences help you apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges and build valuable skills for future career advancement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Science jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Food Science jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Science Internship jobs in Tennessee?

For Food Science Internship jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Food Science Internship jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Food Science Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Science Internship job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,669 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Summer 2027 Mars Petcare Research and Development Internship

Mars, Incorporated

Franklin, TN • On-site

Full-time, Temporary, Internship

Posted 5 days ago


Mars Inc. rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

127th of 445 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Description:
At Mars, we work together to build a better world for people, pets, and the planet. From being a socially responsible business, to investing in our Associates, we're always looking at how we can make tomorrow brighter.
As an Associate, you are empowered with the freedom and tools to be yourself, to forge your own path, to build relationships across our global community, to discover the right opportunities for you to grow - all with ample support. Here, you have our ongoing commitment to your growth and development as you work across our world-famous brands.
Start your journey at Mars today!
Mars Petcare Research & Development Internship Experience
As a Petcare Research and Development Intern, you will gain exposure to the following areas:
  • Product Development

  • Packaging Development

  • Process Development

  • Quality & Food Safety

  • Product & Package Translation Support

  • Sensory

What we're looking for:
  • Desired majors include: Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Science, Animal Science

  • Students will intern the summer prior to their final graduation date (typically rising seniors)

  • Some of the positions available might be at a facility that process nuts or allows dogs and cats on site. Please let us know if this raises any concerns so that we can address them

  • Eligible candidates will intern the summer prior to their final graduation date.

  • Open to students legally authorized to work in the U.S., without the need for current or future work status authorization or visa sponsorship for employment.

  • Employment is contingent upon successful completion of drug & background screening.

  • Eligible candidates will be responsible for personal transportation to and from work site during duration of the internship program.

What can you expect from Mars?
  • The Mars Internship Experience is a 10-week summer program providing excellent depth of experience with real business problems and opportunities.

  • Exciting professional and social engagement activities throughout the experience that provide opportunities to network with your intern peers all the way up to senior leaders.

  • Best-in-class training and development from Day 1, including a formal mentor, access to our in-house Mars University, and more.

  • Ongoing coaching and mentorship to help you succeed and get the most out of your experience.

  • Some pretty sweet perks including competitive salary & benefits package, fun freebies, and pet-friendly offices.

  • Housing and relocation benefits vary on eligibility and location and will be shared with you via your Early Talent Manager.

About Mars, Incorporated
For more than a century, Mars, Incorporated has been driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. This idea is at the center of who we have always been as a global, family-owned business. Today, Mars is transforming, innovating, and evolving in ways that affirm our commitment to making a positive impact on the world around us.
Across our diverse and expanding portfolio of Snacking, Food, and Petcare products and services, we employ over 140,000 dedicated Associates who are all moving in the same direction: forward. As a $65 billion family-owned business, we produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, Pringles®, Cheez-It®, and BEN'S ORIGINAL™. and take care of half of the world's pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses, including AniCura, Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, and VCA™.
We know we can only be truly successful if our partners and the communities in which we operate prosper as well. The Mars Five Principles - Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom - inspire our Associates to take action every day to help create a world tomorrow in which the planet, its people and pets can thrive. The Mars Compass, inspired by the Economics of Mutuality, is used to measure the company's progress in service of its purpose; The world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today.
For more information about Mars, please visit mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

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