R&D Intern

Company Description

Cibo Vita, founded in 2009, specializes in producing health-conscious snacks, including dried fruit and nut blends, for distribution to supermarkets and retail chains nationwide. The company’s flagship brand, Nature’s Garden, focuses on redefining snacking with products that fit diverse lifestyles. Recognized with industry awards like sofi™ and Nexty, Cibo Vita is celebrated for its commitment to authenticity, innovation, and transparency. Based in Totowa, New Jersey, the company operates SQF Level II and USDA Organic Certified facilities, employs over 900 team members, and holds certifications such as Keto, Organic, Gluten-Free, and more.

Position Overview 

Cibo Vita, a leading manufacturer of healthy snacks and functional foods, is seeking a motivated and curious R&D Intern to join our 3-12-month rotational program. This unique opportunity provides hands-on experience across three critical areas of the R&D organization — Regulatory Affairs, Product Development, and Analytics— and offers a holistic understanding of how innovative snack products move from concept to shelf. 

At Cibo Vita, our passion for wellness drives everything we do. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to developing innovative, better-for-you snacks that support a healthy lifestyle — all while learning from an experienced team of food scientists, regulatory experts, and technical professionals. 

This internship provides a unique opportunity to explore multiple R&D disciplines and gain a deep understanding of how ideas become products that delight consumers nationwide. 

Key Responsibilities 

Regulatory Affairs Rotation 

• Support the review and maintenance of product labels, ingredient statements, and nutritional facts panels in compliance with FDA, USDA, and other regulatory requirements. 
• Assist in documentation preparation for product claims, certifications (e.g., Non-GMO, Kosher, Organic), and regulatory submissions. 
• Conduct research on emerging regulations and ingredient standards affecting food labeling and product compliance. 

Product Development Rotation 

• Collaborate with Product Developers on new snack concepts, formulations, and bench-top testing. 
• Participate in sensory evaluations and shelf-life testing to assess product quality and performance. 
• Assist in the preparation of product prototypes and sample submissions for internal and customer presentations. 
• Contribute creative ideas during innovation sessions to support the development of functional and better-for-you snacks. 

Analytical Rotation 

• Support in-house lab testing by performing routine analyses, maintaining accurate test records, and ensuring equipment calibration 
• Coordinate with external laboratories for sample submissions, track testing progress, and document results to support project timelines 
• Maintain accurate lab records, databases, and sample inventories. 

Learning Objectives 

By the end of the internship, the R&D Intern will: 

• Understand the full product lifecycle — from regulatory compliance through product formulation to commercialization. 
• Gain exposure to clean-label innovation, nutritional formulation, and ingredient functionality. 
• Develop technical, analytical, and project management skills relevant to the food manufacturing industry. 
• Build cross-functional collaboration skills within R&D, Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain. 

Qualifications 

• Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Nutrition, Chemistry, or a related field. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail. 
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate in a fast-paced team environment. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; prior experience with formulation or lab systems is a plus. 
• Passion for innovation in healthy snacking and interest in functional food product development. 

Program Details 

• Duration: 3-12 month
• Schedule: Full-time or Part-time, Monday–Friday 
• Location: Totowa, NJ 
• Compensation:  $18.00 hourly
• No Sponsorship at this time