Research and Development Internship

Responsibilities

• Investigate manufacturing processes and scaling rules through lab and pilot plant experimentation
• Train and validate an AI model to segment microscopy images of food products to link microstructure, formulation, and processing
• Develop product specifications to ensure quality and support factory efficiency and sustainability
• Conduct pilot plant and factory trials, including developing tools for flow characteristics comparison of dry powder products
• Improve product texture with minimal ingredient changes while ensuring stability over time

Requirements

• Enrolled in a 3rd or 4th year Bachelor or Master program in Food Science/Technology, Food Physics, Chemical Engineering, or Material Science
• Available for 5 to 6 months starting August-September 2026 (minimum 32 hours/week)
• Basic experience with microscopy and an affinity for image analysis and AI
• Analytical mindset with an affinity for programming tools to build models for factory data
• Capable of conducting basic research, including literature searches, data collection, and result interpretation
• Fluent in English (spoken and written)

Benefits

• €625 gross monthly allowance
• Travel reimbursement (if you do not have a student travel card)
• Access to engaging intern programs, including onboarding, events, and activities
• Extensive training programs for personal and professional growth
• A flexible working environment

About the Company

Unilever is one of the world’s most iconic FMCG companies, home to over 400 brands including Dove, Knorr, and Hellmann's. The HIVE Foods Innovation Centre in Wageningen is the heart of Unilever's food product innovation, where cutting-edge research meets large-scale manufacturing.