• Research and Development Intern

    Perdue Farms, Inc. (Salisbury, MD)


    Perdue Farms is a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. **That's Perdue.**

    Summary

    Come join us at our Innovation Center for Summer 2026! Our Research and Development Internship offer students hands-on, real-world experience within the company over an 10 - 12 week period. In this role you will work with an experienced mentor to learn the basics for R&D. A specific project will also be assigned to the intern at the beginning of the summer and conclude with a brief report and presentation on the results of the project at the end of the internship.

     

    What can you expect from a Perdue summer internship?

     

    + Competitive Pay

    + Exciting Social, Philanthropic, and Networking Events with other Perdue Interns

    + Hands-On, Real World Work Experience and a Dedicated Summer Mentor

    + Learning Workshops

    + Travel to Perdue Locations Such as our Innovation Center, Perdue Learning University and Live Production Farms

    + Interaction with Senior Leadership

    + Housing Stipend

     

    This position has a target wage of $21.90 - $28.13 per hour, based on graduation year. Overtime may be available.

    What You Will Learn & Main Responsibilities

    + Assist in the preparation of benchtop samples, pilot plant production, product cuttings & evaluation, sensory analyses and lab analyses.

    + Learn different aspects of how Research and Development areas operate while getting hands-on, real world work experience.

    + Technical areas may include but are not limited to: Product Development, Process Development, Packaging Development and Sensory Analyses

    + Travel to different plant operations facilites to observe processes.

    + Summer interns will be exposed to product development, process development, data collection & analyses, sensory and lab analyses. Additionally, a project will be assigned to you at the beginning of the internship, which will culminate with a brief presentation of results and findings.

    Minimum Education

    + Must be a rising Junior, Senior or Graduate Student currently pursuing a Bachelors, Masters or PhD degree at an accredited university in a relevant field of study. Meat Science, Food Science, Packaging Science or related majors preferred.

    + Must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA or higher

    Experience Requirements

    + Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and able to learn new software

    + Have strong communication skills, including written and verbal

    + Must be able to work independently or in teams

    + Proactive self-start who works well with minimal supervision

    + Positive attitude and a team player

    + Excellent organizational skills and attention to details

    + Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs

    Experience Preferred

    + 3.25 GPA or higher is highly preferred

    + Completed college-level classes (Meat Science, Food Chemistry, Packaging or similar courses)

    + Student extra-curricular experiences

     

    _Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status._