Research and Development Intern

What the Role Is

The Research & Development Internship offers hands-on experience at the intersection of science, creativity, and innovation. Working alongside the R&D and Innovation teams, you will contribute to projects that shape future products and improve existing liquids within the Heaven Hill portfolio. 

You will assist with development work ranging from flavor research to formulation adjustments, while supporting innovation projects that explore emerging trends, ingredients, and technologies. This role provides an in-depth look at how new spirits are created and refined for an evolving marketplace. 

How You Will Spend Your Time?

• Innovation & Product Development Projects 
  • Support ongoing innovation initiatives, helping explore new liquid ideas, flavor directions, and product concepts aligned with long-term strategic plans.
  • Assist the Innovation Manager with creation of samples for testing, sensory evaluation, and refinement of new or existing formulations.
  • Participate in trend research to understand emerging flavors, consumer preferences, and innovation opportunities within the spirits industry.

• Research & Analytical Project Work 

  • Contribute to R&D studies including flavor stability, shelf-life evaluation, and ingredient performance assessments.
  • Support the continuation of the geosmin study, helping evaluate methods to reduce or remove geosmin so aging inventory can be preserved.

• Hands-On Production & Program Barrel Support 

  • Assist with Program Barrel activities such as filtering, proofing, preparing samples, pouring, and labeling.
  • Gain firsthand experience with batching, blending, and product preparation processes.

• Sensory & Evaluation Experience 

  • Learn how to taste, evaluate, and compare spirits across multiple categories.
  • Support sensory panel preparation and documentation as needed.

• Professional Development 

  • Prepare and present findings and recommendations to internal teams throughout the internship.
  • Deliver a final presentation to the Executive Leadership Team summarizing your project work and key learnings.
  • Participate in developmental workshops, networking opportunities, and cross-functional exposure events.

Who You Are…

Required Skills and Experience:

• Currently a junior or senior pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, or related science field.
• Interested in the spirits industry, product development, and scientific research.
• Must be at least 21 years old by the start of the internship.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Curious, self-motivated, and comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and analytical thinking.

Physical Requirements

While performing duties of job, employee is occasionally required to:

• Stand; extensive walking; use hands and fingers to handle, or feel objects, and use of computer; reach with hands and arms. 
• Will be required to climb stairs and may be required to climb ladders. 
• Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Heaven Hill and its affiliates are committed to fostering a diverse workforce as an Equal Employment Opportunity company. We invite applications from candidates of all backgrounds, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, natural origin, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic.