Research & Development Intern

Overall Purpose and Objective of Position

This position is that of a Research & Development Intern to work with the R&D team on experimental and data‑driven exploration of plant protein ingredients. The intern will support protein extraction, purification, and characterization efforts, and may also contribute to data analysis or computational exploration that informs experimental design and decision‑making. This role is intended for students seeking hands‑on research experience in an industrial R&D environment and is scoped as a learning‑focused internship integrating experimental development with computational workflows.

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions

Main responsibilities:

• Execute laboratory experiments related to plant protein extraction, purification, and characterization at bench scale 

• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental datasets to support process optimization and hypothesis generation 

• Support exploratory data analysis or basic computational workflows (e.g., scripting, modeling, or literature‑driven in‑silico exploration) as they relate to experimental R&D questions 

• Contribute to experimental design under guidance by integrating learnings from lab results, scientific literature, and data analysis 

• Document experimental procedures, results, and observations clearly and in a timely manner 

• Maintain good laboratory organization, hygiene, and safety practices

Role requirements:

• Comfort working in a hands‑on laboratory environment, with interest in understanding underlying mechanisms through data 

• Willingness to work across both experimental and analytical tasks depending on project needs 

• Curiosity‑driven mindset with the ability to learn new tools and approaches

Qualifications

Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses

Basic qualification:

• Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in food science, chemical engineering, biochemistry, bioengineering, or a related life‑science or engineering field.

Experience

Basic qualification:

• Hands‑on laboratory experience gained through coursework, academic research, or prior internships is preferred but not required.
• Experience working with experimental data, including data organization, basic analysis, and interpretation of results.
• Exposure to scientific computing, scripting, or data analysis tools used in an academic or research setting is a plus, particularly when applied to experimental or life‑science problems.
• Demonstrated ability to follow experimental protocols while also engaging in critical thinking, troubleshooting, and iterative improvement of methods.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands)

Technical / Scientific

• Basic hands‑on laboratory experience through coursework, research projects, or internships.
• Fundamental understanding of experimental design, data collection, and result interpretation.
• Interest in protein chemistry, biomolecules, or ingredient functionality.
• Comfort working with experimental datasets and performing basic data analysis.

Analytical / Computational (Applied, not software‑focused)

• Exposure to data analysis tools or scripting environments (e.g., Excel, Python, MATLAB, R) applied to scientific or engineering problems is a plus.
• Ability and interest in using data, literature, or simple computational analyses to inform experimental decisions.
• Knowledge of advanced algorithms, machine learning, or software development is not required.

Work Style / Mindset

• Willingness to work in a hands‑on laboratory environment and adapt to evolving project needs.
• Ability to work independently within defined experimental or analytical frameworks.
• Strong problem‑solving, critical‑thinking, and organizational skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation and reporting.
• Comfortable balancing bench work and analytical tasks as needed.

Communication / Collaboration

• Clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to document experimental work clearly and maintain organized records.
• Works effectively both independently and as part of a cross‑functional R&D team.

Professional Expectations

• Demonstrated interest in plant‑based ingredients, food systems, or applied life‑science R&D.
• Commitment to laboratory safety, cleanliness, and good scientific practice.
• Reliable attendance and professional conduct in a research environment.

Additional Information

Equipment Used

Laboratory Equipment

• Standard wet‑lab equipment (balances, pH meters, centrifuges, mixers, water baths).
• Bench‑scale protein extraction and purification equipment.
• Filtration and separation tools (e.g., membranes, filters, columns).
• General laboratory safety and hygiene equipment.

Data & Analysis Tools

• Personal computer and standard office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Data analysis and visualization tools used in scientific workflows.
• Scripting or computational tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R) as applied to experimental or scientific data. These tools are used at a basic, applied level to support experimental work.

Documentation & Reporting

• Electronic lab notebooks or digital documentation systems.
• Internal databases or shared data repositories for experimental results.

Working Conditions

• Interacts closely with personnel in other departments and Company locations.
• Interacts closely with middle and senior management personnel.
• Extensions of regular working hours are occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects or to respond to emergencies.

Decision Making/Accountability

• Handle and report issues or questions as directed by Livermore facility Management.  Prioritizes personal workload throughout the day to ensure meeting of deadlines.

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
- 401k with Company Match
- Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
- Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles)

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Equal employment opportunity (EEO)

Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us