Research and Development Internship 26' - Product Processing (Hive)

Are you ready to kick-start your career at one of the world’s most iconic companies?

At Unilever, we’re not just about creating products – we’re about building dreams, opportunities, and innovation. With over 400 brands like Dove, Knorr, and Lipton, we’re committed to making sustainable living commonplace.

HIVE is Unilever’s Foods Innovation Centre and home to the product innovations of some of the world's favorite food brands like Knorr and Hellmann's.

This is more than just an internship; it’s a chance to learn, grow, and leave your mark at one of the largest FMCG companies on the planet.

What makes this internship exciting?

As an intern in the Research and Development Department in the Hive, your ideas will drive impact, and your creativity will take center stage. The team will provide you with opportunities to develop a better understanding of manufacturing processes and their scaling rules through lab and pilot plant experimentation. You will train and validate an AI model to segment microscopy images of food products, extracting quantitative data to link product microstructure, formulation, and processing.

This isn’t just about learning – it’s about leading! Here’s what your journey will look like:

• Develop product specifications to ensure quality for consumers, using available equipment or creating new designs.
• Support factories to improve efficiency and sustainability.
• Conduct pilot plant and factory trials, including developing tools for flow characteristics comparison of dry powder products, predicting pasty cube processability by correlating lab scale deformation data with paste extrusion.
• Investigate manufacturing processes and their scaling rules through lab and pilot plant experimentation.
• Train and validate an AI model to segment microscopy images of food products, extracting quantitative data to link product microstructure, formulation, and processing.
• Improve product texture with minimal ingredient changes, ensuring stability over time.

You’re the perfect fit if:

• You’re available for 5 to 6 months starting 23rd February or 2nd March 2026 (minimum 32 hours/week).
• You are enrolled (3rd or 4th year) in a Bachelor or Master program in Food Science/Technology, Food Physics, Chemical Engineering or Material Science.
• You have basic experience with microscopy and an affinity for image analysis and AI.
• You possess an analytical mindset; knowledge of food microstructure is beneficial but not required.
• You are capable of practical work and basic research, including literature search, setting up work programs, collecting and analysing data, and interpreting and presenting results.
• You have an affinity for programming tools to build models for factory data.
• You are fluent in English (spoken and written).

Why you’ll love working with us?

We know internships are all about growth and exploration – and we’ve got you covered.

• A €625 gross/month allowance.
• Travel reimbursement (if you don’t have a student travel card).
• Fun and engaging intern programs – onboarding, events, and activities with fellow interns.
• Access to extensive training programs for personal and professional growth.
• A flexible working environment tailored to your success.
• A behind-the-scenes experience at one of the world’s largest and most innovative FMCG companies.

Unilever is more than a workplace – it’s a space to bring your passions to life while creating impact. Are you ready to be part of something extraordinary? Let’s make it happen together! 🚀