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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

See Virginia salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do food science internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Food Science Internship jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Science Internship jobs in Virginia 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, 50% Full Time, and 36% 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.

Food, Beverage, Dairy Plant Sanitation - Technical Sales Intern

Richmond, VA


Ecolab
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 211 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 100 rated chemical manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$23 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Own your future as an intern at Ecolab!Our internship program provides you with invaluable insights from leaders across Ecolab, engaging and challenging projects, opportunities for personal and professional growth, extensive networking, and the chance to immerse yourself in our innovative and dynamic environment.

Ecolab is seeking Technical Sales Interns to join our summer 2027internship program withFood & Beverage.Our interns gain valuable hands-on experience in thefood & beverage manufacturingindustry bylearningthe various components involved in servicing Ecolab customers. We are increasing food safety and product quality, enhancingsustainabilityand boosting operational efficiency.

What'sin it For You:

  • The opportunity to take on some of the world's most meaningful challenges, helping customers achieve clean water, safefoodand healthy environments

  • The ability to make an impact and shape your career with a company that is passionate about growth

  • The support of an organization that believes it is vital to include and engage diverse people,perspectivesand ideas to achieve our best

  • Applywhat you learn in the classroom to meaningful projects that havegenuine businessimpact

  • Finish your internship with a realistic job preview of what a "day in the life" of an Ecolab associate looks like

  • Be considered for a full-time job offer (to start upon graduation) at the end of a successful internship into the Associate Account Manager role

What You Will Do:

  • Work closely with existing Account Managers in customer plant environments, focusing on food safety and food quality using effective, efficient sanitation products and processes.As strong business partners, our Account Managers work with customers to develop sanitation plans and programs, evaluate processes and procedures, andidentifyand implement operational efficiencies.

  • Learn the daily responsibilities of an Ecolab Account Manager and work on specific value-added projects throughout the summer for which youultimately presentfindings to our leadership team

  • Cultivate business relationships with all levels of plant staff through professional demeanor & interpersonal skills

  • Apply mechanical aptitude to repair, adjust,testand install Ecolab chemical dispensing systems as well as food, beverage and dairy processing equipment including clean in place (CIP) equipment and systems

  • Monitor product performance and adjust chemical concentration levels to advance operational efficiency and effectiveness

  • Provide industryexpertiseand training to customersregardingplant sanitation, standard operating procedures, and issues of food safety/quality

  • Introduce new product/service offerings to existing accounts to help them disinfect surfaces in a plant facility

  • Learn how to successfully prospect to generate new business

Position Details:

  • 11-week paid internship program, starting onTuesday, June 1st

  • Willing torelocatewithin the United States. Nationwide locations available

  • Relocationassistancemay be available

  • Opportunity for a hybrid work environment, balancing field days with working remotely

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Pursuing a bachelor's degree in dairy, food or agricultural science, engineering, or chemistry withan anticipatedgraduation date of December 2027 or May/June 2028

  • Immigration sponsorship not available for this role

  • 11-week internship program, starting on Tuesday, June 1st

  • Position requires a valid US Driver's License and acceptable motor vehicle record and access to a personal vehicle

Physical Demands:

  • Position requires lifting/pushing/carrying up to 50 pounds chest high

About Ecolab

A trusted partner atnearly threemillion customer locations spanning over 170 countries, Ecolab is the global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services. Our team delivers comprehensive solutions, data-driven insights and personalized service to advance food safety,maintainclean and safe environments,optimizewater and energy use, and improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare,hospitalityand industrial markets.

When you come to work at Ecolab, you get to take on some of the world's most meaningful challenges andhave the opportunity tolearn and grow, shape your career, make animpactand quickly see the importance of your work.

Annual or Hourly Compensation Range:

$23.00 - $25.00 per hour Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation, such as experience, education, training, geography, etc. We comply with all minimum wage and overtime laws.

Benefits

Ecolab provides the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, auto insurance, home insurance, pet insurance, identity theft protection, short-term and long-term disability, 401k, pension plans, retirement health care benefits, short-term incentives, vacation (12 days), holidays, parental leave, employee stock purchase plans(Full-Time Associates), discount on day care services and caregiver services, adoption assistance, group legal services, employee assistance program, employee discount program, and education assistance program,on-Site childcare and fitness facilities may be available at select Ecolab locations.Click herefor additional benefits information.If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits atjobs.ecolab.com/working-here.


Potential Customer Requirements Notice

To meet customer requirements and comply with local or state regulations, applicants for certain customer-facing roles may need to:

- Undergo additional background screens and/or drug/alcohol testing for customer credentialing.


Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Ecolab will provide reasonable accommodation (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with our application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require accommodation assistance in this application process, please visit the Recruiting Support link in the footer of each page of our career website.


Ecolab logo

About Ecolab

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ecolab is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1923


What Ecolab employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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