Food Microbiology Laboratory Intern

Heartland Food Products Group is a global leader in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, producing low-calorie sweeteners, coffee, coffee creamers and liquid water enhancers. We manufacture and market Splenda, the #1 brand in the low calorie sweetener category and the most recognized in the world. We make coffee, tea and water taste better and help people live happier, healthier and longer lives by making it easy to reduce sugar.

We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package. Come grow with us!

This role is not a remote opportunity.  

Scope:

Heartland Food Products Group is a global leader in the consumer-packaged foods industry, supplying store brand solutions for the retail and food service markets. We are seeking a detail-oriented Summer Intern to join our Food Microbiology Laboratory team. This role provides hands-on, practical experience in an industrial food microbiology setting. Along with assisting with daily laboratory operations, the intern will own and drive a basic, independent research problem tailored to our lab's current method validations and continuous improvement goals. Through this project, the intern will evaluate novel testing technologies to strengthen our preventative controls, ensure our protocols strictly align with industry regulations/standards, and provide data-driven recommendations to minimize contamination risks. The Food Laboratory Microbiology Intern will gain experience in a food microbiology lab environment by learning how to use special instruments and techniques to help analyze the sterility of food products, raw materials, packaging, and environmental samples. This individual will learn about microorganisms and the role they play in food safety and quality. The intern will assist the quality microbiology lab and research lab by compiling and analyzing test results that go into charts, presentations, and reports. The intern will receive on-the-job training that will aid in the understanding of food microbiology. At the completion of the internship, the intern will be required to develop a summary presentation of the topics learned and their experiences working in the lab.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities:

• Take ownership of a basic laboratory research problem, collect and analyze data, and present your findings to the laboratory team at the conclusion of the internship.
• Assist in processing, weighing, and preparing food or ingredient samples for microbiological analysis using sterile techniques. 
• Prepare test solutions, reagents, and culture media as needed.
• Assist senior laboratory staff with basic plating, culture transfers, and monitoring of microbial growth (such as counts for environmental monitoring or routine indicators).
• Accurately prepare samples for testing. Analyze food products, raw materials, and packaging for sterility. Support the accurate analysis of raw materials, ingredients, and finished products per Heartland procedures and GLPs.
• Accurately record data, sample logs, and testing parameters in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and data integrity guidelines.
• Test environmental samples for microbial bioburden and indicator organisms.
• Set up and calibrate instruments for sample analysis.

• Ensure results are accurately recorded, reviewed, and verified using Good Documentation Practices, GLPs and GMPs.
• Must follow all laboratory safety procedures, protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), and safety directions from the Senior Microbiologist.
• Maintain proper labeling, handling, storage, use, and disposal of solutions, biohazard and hazardous waste, and microbiological cultures in accordance with lab SOP’s.
• Manage time and tasks efficiently while maintaining an exceptional quality of work.
• Be detail oriented while understanding the big picture.
• Work effectively with colleagues.

• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, Bacteriology, or a closely related scientific field or have graduated with a compatible degree within 1 year. Open to undergraduates and graduate students.
• Completed basic college-level biology or microbiology laboratory courses with basic knowledge of aseptic technique.
• Must be flexible and adaptable to a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Must be willing to learn about topics that the Senior Microbiologist will recommend to aid in the understanding of food microbiology concepts.
• Proficient command of English and strong communication skills required. 
• Proficient in E-mail, word, excel, and PowerPoint.
• Previous experience in a quality or research lab environment a plus, but not required.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to physically perform the functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to work seated or standing for long periods of time.
• Must possess visual acuity to document company records and test results. 
• Must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Lifting up to 40 pounds.