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Microbiology Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... Safety Intern. This position will offer students the opportunity to build upon the knowledge ... Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Biology/Microbiology ...

Microbiology Intern information

What does a microbiology intern do?

A Microbiology Intern assists professional microbiologists by performing laboratory experiments, preparing and analyzing samples, recording data, and maintaining equipment. They often work under the supervision of experienced scientists and may help with research projects, data entry, and routine lab tasks. This internship provides hands-on experience in microbiological techniques and helps students or recent graduates gain practical skills relevant to the field.

What types of projects and laboratory techniques can a microbiology intern expect to be involved with during their internship?

As a Microbiology Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of hands-on projects such as culturing microorganisms, conducting antimicrobial susceptibility tests, and assisting with sample preparation and analysis. Interns often use techniques like aseptic handling, streak plating, Gram staining, and PCR. You will typically collaborate with research scientists and lab technicians, participating in both independent tasks and team meetings. This exposure helps you gain practical laboratory skills and a deeper understanding of microbiological research, which is valuable for both academic and industry career paths.

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

To thrive as a Microbiology Intern, you generally need a background in biological sciences, laboratory coursework, and familiarity with microbiological techniques. Experience with laboratory equipment, aseptic technique, and data analysis software like Microsoft Excel or specialized lab management systems is often expected. Attention to detail, strong communication, and a willingness to learn are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate experimental results, effective teamwork, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to research or diagnostic projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Microbiology jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Microbiology jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Microbiology Intern job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, 1% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

QFS Intern - Summer 2027

Bunge

Sandston, VA

$25.50/hr

Temporary, Internship

Posted 5 days ago


Bunge rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 444 rated food and drinks producers


Job description


City : Channahon State : Illinois (US-IL) Country : United States (US) Requisition Number : 47736

A Day in the Life: 

This internship role will be focused on Quality & Food Safety.

This internship role will be focused on Quality & Food Safety. If you have a career interest in food science and quality assurance and the desire to gain hands on experience in a manufacturing facility, you should become our next Quality & Food Safety Intern.

This position will offer students the opportunity to build upon the knowledge acquired in the classroom to a food business and manufacturing environment. The Bunge Quality and Food Safety internship program is designed to offer students the opportunity to learn and work with Bunge business units to provide solutions to internal and external stakeholders. Interns will have the opportunity to impact several quality and food safety initiatives and gain exposure to a wide array of QFS programs, including but not limited to, HACCP & Food Safety Plans, laboratory & instrumentation programs, equipment performance & maintenance, food manufacturing & prerequisite programs, product inspection and disposition, and additional project work in related areas.

Location to be determined based on current business needs, you would be placed at one of our crush/refine, packaging, or grain elevator facilities. Ability and willingness to relocate for the duration of the internship is required. 

Position Details: 

  • Summer Work Term: Approximately 12 weeks 
  • Assignment location will be determined based on business requirements
  • Hourly Pay Rate Starting at: $25.50

What You'll Be Doing: 

  • Participate fully in the day-to-day objectives of the Quality & Food Safety department. This will follow the program governance of 70/20/10 (70% hands on, 20% informal learning, 10% formal learning)
  • Participants will be assigned a project with the Quality & Food Safety organization, which will include one or multiple of the following activities, depending on the business unit and manufacturing location:
  •  Validation of microbial sampling/testing techniques and procedures
  • Thermal inactivation validation studies
  • Development and review of laboratory and sampling Standard Operating Procedures
  • Customer complaint reduction initiatives and use of Root Cause Analysis and Corrective & Preventive Action techniques
  • Analysis of changes to processing conditions (temperatures, pressures, pump speeds, etc.) on finished product characteristics
  • Training of the Operations and Mechanics on the impact to finished product quality and optimization of production parameters
  • Validation of analytical methods used for measurement of oils and corn milling streams
  • Participation in internal audits and updates to Food Safety Plans
  • Engagement with Bunge's Quality & Food Safety Management System

Qualifications: 

  • Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Biology/Microbiology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or applicable field with an interest in Quality & Food Safety as a career
  • Strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Ability to analyze data to summarize and present in clear and concise reports
  • Ability to execute tasks and follow-through to completion with appropriate documentation
  • Strong attention to detail, problem solving, prioritization and organizational skills
  • Ability to work in a team environment and possess strong interpersonal communication skills
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills

At Bunge (NYSE: BG), our purpose is to connect farmers to consumers to deliver essential food, feed and fuel to the world. As a premier agribusiness solutions provider, our team of ~34,000 dedicated employees partner with farmers across the globe to move agricultural commodities from where they're grown to where they're needed-in faster, smarter, and more efficient ways. We are a world leader in grain origination, storage, distribution, oilseed processing and refining, offering a broad portfolio of plant-based oils, fats, and proteins. We work alongside our customers at both ends of the value chain to deliver quality products and develop tailored, innovative solutions that address evolving consumer needs. With 200+ years of experience and presence in over 50 countries, we are committed to strengthening global food security, advancing sustainability, and helping communities prosper where we operate. Bunge has its registered office in Geneva, Switzerland and its corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. Learn more at Bunge.com.

Every day our people exemplify these values, which represent Bunge at its core:


   We Are One Team - Collaborative, Respectful, Inclusive
   We Lead The Way - Agile, Empowered, Innovative
   We Do What's Right - Safety, Sustainability, With Integrity

If this sounds like you, join us!  We value and invest in people who believe in our purpose and are excited to live it every day - people who are #ProudtoBeBunge



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