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Job Description
Research & Development Intern - Citrus Innovation Center International Flavors and Fragrances United States, Florida, Lakeland Jun 17, 2026 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 CITRUS
team at the Citrus Innovation Center in Lakeland, Florida. IFF's
RE-MASTER
programs accelerate innovation byidentifyingunmet 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-stageMaster'sstudent
Strong academic record in chemistry, biochemistry, and/or engineering
Basic knowledge of laboratory practices
Successful completion of
CHM 2045 + CHM2045L
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 to40 hours/week in summer
Authorization to work in the U.S. without restrictions
Pre-employment background check and drug screenrequired 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 communicationskills and ability to collaborate effectively
Self-starter mindset with strong prioritization and organization skills Why Join IFF? Hands-on experience in a world-class citrus innovation center
Exposure to real customer-driven projects and commercialization
Opportunity to work with flavorists, scientists, and global innovation teams
Experience supporting
RE-MASTER
CITRUS andcutting-edgeinnovation programs
Development opportunities within a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition Inclusion & Diversity We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering a diverse range of solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that individuality unlocks our full potential. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where all colleagues can bring their authentic selves to work.
Learn more:
https://www.iff.com/responsibilities/diversity-equity-inclusion We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability. Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more