R&D Global Research Internship - Taste The Future Program Reading, UK

Location: Reading, United Kingdom

Job Description

Are You Ready to Make It Happen at Mondelēz International?

Join our Mission to Lead the Future of Snacking. Make It Matter.

As an organization we are committed to developing the next generation of Makers and Bakers. Joining us at an early career stage in our fast paced and ever changing environment will enable you to do more, learn more and grow more. You will be encouraged to step outside your comfort zone– you may even surprise yourself! We will ensure you are given the support you need to be at your best and enable you to be yourself and bring passion and personality. Here you can lean in and speak up and bring your own flavor.

Big enough to reach the top. Small enough to help you get off the ground.

Are you studying towards a Food Science, Chemistry, or other scientific discipline (e.g. Biology, Biochemistry, Food & Nutrition, Physical Sciences, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering)? Do you want a taste of the career you could have with Mondelez? Sink your teeth into one of our sweet internships.

Our R&D Internships - Taste The Future Program UK are 12 months long (although some roles have the flexibility to be shorter) and during your placement, we’ll make you an integral part of our team and give you a real job – with real responsibilities – from day one. We hope to help you expand your horizons and encourage your personal and professional development.

We want to make sure you get the most from your time with us. That’s why once you join we’ll work out ambitious but achievable goals for you. Then through the support of a mentor and regular reviews with your manager, we’ll help you achieve them.

Life in Research and Development Quality (RDQ):

As an intern in R&D at Mondelēz International, you’ll take ownership of projects. You will contribute to the future of snacking by keeping the consumer at the heart of our innovation. Spending time in our food processing innovation space and labs making and testing prototypes, applying your own hypotheses as well as past knowledge within the business, deliverables may include producing technical reports and presentations, sharing insights with stakeholders and fostering transparency and collaboration. You will have the opportunity to work with the broader RDQ community, business functions, and external suppliers, building your network and confidence. Beyond your primary project, you may support ongoing activities, gaining diverse experiences and contributing to a sustainable future. For some roles, occasional international travel may be required.

About the role:

Global Research is a function that sits at the heart of R&D, combining deep scientific expertise with real-world application to shape the future of food. We are a globally connected function that bridges fundamental research with product development — translating ingredient science into consumer-relevant solutions at scale. We act as a strategic research partner to product development teams worldwide, providing the foundational knowledge and tools that accelerate innovation pipelines, and partnering on complex problems to be solved.

As a member of the Global Research department, you’ll be at the heart of supporting the next big breakthroughs, investigating fundamental science and technologies that can impact all our beloved brands from chocolate and biscuits to spreads and gummies. You’ll own and deliver a project, or series of projects, supporting the research team that you’ll be a part of. If you're passionate about science, have a knack for problem-solving, and crave hands-on experience, this 12-month internship in Reading, is your golden ticket.

Key Responsibilities:

Lab Magic: Plan and execute experiments of all sizes, from benchtop to pilot plant, getting hands-on with the tools and techniques that bring our ideas to life. You will also support in the running of on-going experiments and testing that are key to Mondelēz’s next big breakthroughs whether that is in sustainability, supply chain resilience, the science of elevating the consumers experience, or identifying the next big ingredients we will use.

Personal Project: Scope and deliver a project across the internship that adds to Mondelez’s fundamental scientific knowledge…. and have the opportunity to share this with product teams and senior stakeholders.

Sensory Science: Coordinate informal sensory assessments to help refine our research work and support in the on-going critical to business sensory initiatives.

Problem Solving: Work autonomously to analyse, interpret, and present scientific data clearly and concisely. Use creative thinking and problem-solving techniques to challenge assumptions, innovate, and build on existing ideas.

Quality Champion: Follow quality and food safety procedures, maintaining the highest standards of work and H&S.

What We're Looking For:

Education: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or other scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Food & Nutrition, Physical Sciences, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering) with a predicted grade of a 2:1 - (or equivalent).

Communication skills: Demonstrates strong analytical, communication and presentation abilities.

Technical Rigour: Able to apply scientific approach to new situations whilst maintaining a well thought out approach.

Initiative: Self-motivated, hands-on, enthusiastic, and quick to learn. A pro-active and highly motivated team player who thrives on new challenges, building relationships, and working autonomously.

Agility: Able to manage multiple tasks, adapt quickly, and respond to feedback constructively.

Collaborative Mindset: Comfortable working in diverse teams with project managers, marketers, scientists, engineers, and suppliers.

Creativity & Curiosity: You love to explore, ideate, and challenge the norm. You’re not afraid to ask, “what if?” or “why?”. You show eagerness to grow and learn