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Food Science Internship Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Internships in life sciences, food policy, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, consulting, communications, public policy, commercial organizations, or startups. Bonus Points If You Have Familiarity with ...

... • Internships in life sciences, food policy, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, consulting, communications, public policy, commercial organizations, or startups. Bonus Points If You Have • ...

Intern, Community

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

... healthy food for all people; and Schmidt Marine Technology Partners, which supports scientists ... Interns are expected to work primarily from their assigned office during regular business hours ...

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Food Science Internship information

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How much do food science internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for food science internship in Virginia is $17.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $19.09 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Food Science jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Food Science jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Science Internship jobs in Virginia? For Food Science Internship jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Food Science Internship jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Food Science Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Science Internship job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, 58% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $35,686 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Product Development Scientist II

Altria Group, Inc.

Richmond, VA • On-site

$80K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Altria Group rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Title: Product Development Scientist II
Req Id: 3170
Work Model: Hybrid
Company: Altria Client Services
State/Province: Virginia
Job Description:
Are you passionate about creating products that make it from concept to commercialization? Do you enjoy solving technical challenges, working collaboratively across disciplines, and continuously learning in a dynamic environment?
Join our Commercial Product Platform Development (CPPD) team as a Product Development Scientist II and contribute to the future of smokeable product innovation.
This role offers a unique opportunity to develop technical expertise across multiple areas of product development while working alongside experienced scientists, engineers, and product developers. Rather than specializing in a single area from the start, you'll gain broad exposure to product design, tobacco and flavor processing, leaf blending, manufacturing, and commercialization activities, helping you build a strong foundation for long-term career growth.
This position is an on-site position that supports Product Development and our Manufacturing Operations.
What you will be doing:
  • Develop broad product development expertise by working across product design, tobacco and flavor processing, leaf blending, product characterization, testing, and manufacturing operations, gaining exposure to how innovative smokeable products move from concept to commercialization.
  • Support projects that advance product development and manufacturing capabilities across our smokeable product portfolio.
  • Conduct scientific studies, technical evaluations, and product assessments
  • Analyze and interpret data to support project decisions and recommendations
  • Assist with product development, testing, and commercialization activities
  • Collaborate with cross-functional partners to address technical challenges
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality and process performance
  • Communicate findings and recommendations to project teams and stakeholders
  • Build technical knowledge across multiple product and manufacturing disciplines

We want you to have:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, Agricultural Sciences, Materials Science, or another related technical discipline
  • Experience through internships, co-ops, research projects, manufacturing, product development, laboratory work, or related technical environments.
  • Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to collaborate across teams and functions
  • Curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications

The starting salary is based on but not limited to experience, knowledge, and qualifications in determining compensation decisions. The Salary Range for this position is: $80,800.00 - $118,750.00.
Why You'll Love Building Your Career at Altria
At Altria, we believe a great career starts with feeling supported - both at work and in life. Here's what you'll find here:
  • Work where life works for you - with flexible and remote options that fit your world, not the other way around.
  • Own your time - start with 15 days of paid time off, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, and a 37.5-hour workweek so you can recharge and live fully
  • A place where you belong - where your ideas are welcomed, your growth is encouraged, and your impact is real
  • Get recognized for your work - annual merit increases and performance bonus
  • A future you can count on - 401(k) matching from day one; plus Deferred Profit Sharing, an annual company contribution in an amount equal to 13%-17% of your base salary
  • Help with your goals - get help with student loan repayment assistance, attend a conference, or gain a new certification with professional development stipends
  • Support for what matters most - comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
  • Celebrating your milestones - paid parental and bonding leave for life's biggest moments.
  • Wellness that goes beyond work - programs that care for your whole well-being at whatever stage you are in your life
  • A culture that gives back - paid volunteer days and a shared commitment to making a difference

At Altria, we offer more than benefits - we offer a career that fits your life, rewards your ambition, and celebrates your impact.
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
Altria is a Fortune 500 company that has a leading portfolio of products for U.S. adult tobacco and nicotine consumers 21+. For decades we've been leaders in the tobacco industry, but the industry is evolving - and so are we. Our Vision is Moving Beyond Smoking™.
At Altria, we celebrate the power of diverse teams working together to shape our future. Each Altria company is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing individuals with criminal records, including formerly incarcerated individuals and individuals with conviction records, a fair chance at employment. Join us as we work together to shape a better future for adult tobacco consumers, our employees, and our shareholders.
Altria is the parent company of Philip Morris USA, John Middleton, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, Helix Innovations, and NJOY. Altria complements its tobacco portfolio with equity investments in Anheuser-Busch InBev and Cronos Group.
Learn more about Altria at www.altria.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

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