Food Scientist; Undergraduate Student - Part time

Job Type: Part-Time – Undergraduate Food Scientist

Pay Rate: $23.75/hr

Assignment Length: Planned for 1 year

Schedule: Day Shift, 8:00am start time

Hours: Part-time, typically 12–15 hours per week

The Food Scientist (Undergraduate Student) will support the R&D Manager in the execution of product development, product improvement, and process support activities for bakery mixes, including dry blends, fruit fillings, dough systems, and related formulations. This part‑time role is designed to provide hands‑on experience in applied food science within a commercial mix plant environment, with an emphasis on formulation, bench‑top testing, analytical measurements, and trial documentation.

This role is based at the ADM Spokane Bakery Mix facility in Spokane, Washington. The facility produces a range of specialty bakery mixes, including donut, cake, and pastry dry mixes, as well as assorted ready‑to‑use icings and fillings for the commercial and retail baking industry. The site includes a full development lab that supports product development, testing, commercialization, and daily quality and ingredient analytics for production.

• Assist in preparing bench‑top prototypes for dry and wet bakery mixes (e.g., cakes, muffins, breads, cookies, glazes, icings)
• Conduct controlled experiments following R&D protocols, including ingredient scaling, mixing, baking, and sensory evaluation
• Perform basic analytical measurements (e.g., pH, water activity, viscosity, moisture)
• Support shelf‑life testing and stability studies under the direction of the R&D Manager
• Maintain organized lab notebooks, digital files, and sample inventory
• Assist in pilot‑scale trials, line tests, and plant validations for new or improved bakery mixes

• Currently enrolled in a Food Science, Food Technology, or related undergraduate program
• Basic understanding of food chemistry, baking science, and ingredient functionality
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and work safely in both laboratory and production environments
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Comfortable with data collection and basic computer skills (Excel, Word, etc.)
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods during trials
• Flexible scheduling based on academic commitments and production needs

• Hands‑on product development experience
• Exposure to commercial bakery operations
• Mentorship from R&D and quality professionals
• Opportunity to contribute to real product launches

Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM’s efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and creating welcoming, truly inclusive work environments — environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.

We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in our industry, as we strive to ensure our workforce represents the world that we help to feed: people of color, women, gender non‑conforming, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and persons with disabilities.

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