What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research & Development Fair Trade Intern position at Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap?
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026, AT 5:00 PM PT.
WHO WE ARE
Dr. Bronners is the top-selling natural brand of soap in North America. We have been recognized as a top workplace in San Diego from 2019 to 2025 and are known for putting people and the planet first. We source all major ingredients from fair trade and regenerative organic supply chains, cap Executive salaries at five times the lowest paid fully vested position, and donate all profits not needed for business development to activism and charitable projects. Join us in our mission to make socially and environmentally responsible products of the highest quality and help make a better and more just world.
ABOUT THE FAIR TRADE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Fair Trade Internship Program at Dr. Bronners offers a dynamic summer experience where interns join a collaborative cohort, working closely with their managers while engaging with employees across the company. Throughout the program, interns will develop a meaningful project to present at its conclusion, gaining hands-on exposure to organic, fair trade, and ethical business practices. This full-time paid internship (40 hours per week) is based at Dr. Bronners headquarters in Vista, California, with company-provided shared housing and occasional evening or weekend work. Interns will earn an hourly wage of $30.29. Candidates must be able to commit to the full program duration of 8 weeks, from Monday, June 1, 2026, to Thursday, July 23, 2026, relocate for the summer at their own expense, and provide their own transportation.
WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH:
The Research & Development (R&D) department is responsible for supporting Dr. Bronner's to come up with new products, reformulate existing products, & sustainable packaging initiatives.
WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON:
At Dr. Bronners, we have Six Cosmic Principles. Our Cosmic Principle #2 is to Do Right by Customers. To that end, Dr. Bronners offers products for personal & home care made with organic and fair-trade ingredientsmost of our products are vegan and certified to the same organic standards as food! Our vision for our products is to be the very best for humans, homes, and Earth. The R&D Fair Trade Intern will develop test methods, prepare & test samples of new products/packaging in the lab, and conduct product testing amongst internal employees.
WHAT YOULL NEED:
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Strong communication skills and proficiency in English (oral and written), with the ability to interact effectively at all levels.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint.
- Lawful authorization to work in the United States.
- Applicants must be at least an undergraduate Sophomore enrolled full-time in a bachelors program enrolled in a Science or technical related program such as Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Packaging, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline.
- Must return to school for at least one semester after the internship, with an expected graduation between December 2026 and July 2027.
ALL-ONE! BENEFITS
As All-One, our employees are family. We support our employees to live their best life and to be happy and prosperous, with these benefits*:
- Full company-paid medical (PPO), dental, and vision
- Free daily vegan lunches
- Stay in shared, company-paid housing (relocation not included).
- Get exposure to senior leadership through project presentation and mentoring.
- Work with a casual dress code (jeans & T-shirts are appropriate for everyday).
- Attend weekly sessions with Dr. Bronners fair trade industry leaders and partners.
- Participating in intern team events
- Paid Holidays, as applicable during the internship.
*Please note that benefits are offered to eligible employees and are subject to specific terms and conditions.
Dr. Bronners is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, breastfeeding, or related conditions), veteran status, or other basis protected by law.