Research & Development Intern – Citrus Innovation Center

## Research & Development Intern – Citrus Innovation Center Apply remote type:
On-site locations:
Citrus Innovation Ctr FL USAtime type:
Full time posted on:
Posted Todaytime left to apply:
End Date:
September 7, 2026 (30+ days left to apply) job requisition :
R18830
** Job Summary
** Intern, Citrus Innovation Center
- Lakeland, FL
** Are you interested in pioneering citrus-based innovation? This is an exciting time to join one of the world’s leading flavor companies.
**** IFF is a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation to create differentiated consumer experiences. We are looking for an Intern to join our RE-MASTER CITRUSTM team at the Citrus Innovation Center in Lakeland, Florida.
**** IFF’s RE-MASTERTM programs accelerate innovation by identifying unmet opportunities through consumer insights, future trend analysis, and a modernized cross-category development approach—ensuring a strong and differentiated innovation pipeline.
**** Your Focus
**** As an intern, you will work alongside experienced scientists and engineers to build foundational skills in the biology, processing, and analysis of citrus and citrus by-product streams. You will gain hands-on experience in laboratory operations,  laboratory management, equipment operation, equipment maintenance, data collection, and data interpretation.
**** This role is ideal for a student eager to expand their experience within a highly innovative and collaborative environment. Strong organizational and time management skills are essential.
**** Key Responsibilities**
* ** Support daily lab operations, including managing and maintaining lab inventory, sample preparation, equipment operation, equipment maintenance and routine analysis**
* ** Analysis and interpretation of experimental data**
* ** Support management and maintenance of citrus plants, including plant care and field measurements**
* ** Assist with literature reviews and compile findings**
* ** Ensure accurate data recording and organization by creating and maintaining data records**
* ** Support R+D data hygiene and R+D database management**
* ** Document experiments, formulations, and results following R&D best practices**
* ** Creation and management of documented procedures**
* ** Perform lab scale distillation experiments**
* ** Participate in tasting sessions and provide sensory feedback**
* ** Ensure compliance with lab safety standards, GMPs, and IFF policies
**** Learning & Development**
* ** Develop foundational knowledge the genus citrus, citrus processing, and the composition of citrus and citrus by-products**
* ** Build hands-on experience with lab equipment, lab instrumentation, lab techniques, and citrus botany**
* ** Gain exposure to end-to-end innovation, from concept through customer delivery**
* ** Develop understanding of cross-functional roles, including R&D, Sales, Marketing, and Product Experience (PX)
**** Requirements**
* ** Currently enrolled in a college or university**
* ** Pursuing Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field**
* ** Strong interest in citrus, citrus processing, and citrus byproducts**
* ** Sophomore or above (Bachelor’s) or early-stage Master’s student**
* ** Strong academic record in chemistry, biochemistry, and/or engineering**
* ** Basic knowledge of laboratory practices**
* ** Successful completion of CHM 2045 + CHM
2045L**
* ** Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management skills**
* ** Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment**
* ** Ability to work  minimum 16 hours/week, with up to 40 hours/week in summer**
* ** Authorization to work in the U.S. without restrictions**
* ** Pre-employment background check and drug screen required
**** Preferred Qualifications**
* ** Basic data analysis and Microsoft Office skills (especially Excel)**
* ** Successful completion of CHM 2046 + CHM 2046L**
* ** Successful completion of CHM 3120C**
* ** Successful completion of CHM 3217**
* ** Strong practical math skills (e.g., dilutions, batching calculations)**
* ** Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively**
* ** Self-starter mindset…