Intern in Indianapolis, Indiana at Vibrant Ingredients

About Vibrant Ingredients:

Founded in 1954, Vibrant Ingredients is a leading provider of natural, clean label ingredients and systems that power extraordinary food and beverage experiences. The company’s broad portfolio — including natural flavors, botanical extracts, functional nutrition, cold brew coffee, tea essences, and food protection solutions enhances taste, texture, color, shelf life, and performance across a wide range of applications. Vibrant operates four state-of-the-art facilities across the United States and works with leading brands, manufacturers, and foodservice operators. With vertically integrated capabilities and a proven track record of innovation and execution, Vibrant helps customers accelerate to market without compromise.

About the role:

We are a trusted partner to our customers when it comes to innovation and an industry leader in clean label ingredients. We collaborate with our customers in ways that respect people and the environment. A commitment to Purely Better™ drives our teams to discover new, on-trend solutions.

As a Tea &Beverage Application Intern within our Beverage & Flavors Business, you will support the Site Creation & Innovation team in accurately compounding benchtop formulas and applications. You will also be responsible for all assigned tasks related to successfully submitting customer sample requests. You will be given 1-3 of your own projects to lead. You have a passion for accuracy of tasks and attention to the details, as well as having strong initiative.

How will you contribute:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Essential job functions and duties include, but are not limited to:

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe and clean work environment by complying with procedures, rules, regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices, and Good Laboratory Practices
• Locate and gather all necessary ingredients/materials for compounding formulas
• Accurately weigh, measure and mix ingredients according to formula instructions
• Maintain awareness and report issues with formulations such as solubility, raw materials, sequencing, mixing instructions, etc
• Perform organoleptic, physical analysis and testing of finished products, intermediates, raw materials and solutions
• Maintain sanitary conditions in all work areas. For example, hand washing, hair nets, cleaning of lab equipment, glassware, waste disposal and other items as needed
• Maintain and replenish laboratory supplies, including raw materials, ingredients, solutions, samples, glassware, general laboratory equipment, and sample shipping components, ensuring that the laboratory is well-stocked and resourced
• Prepare laboratory scale tea systems, beverages and finished applications
• Run trials using benchtop equipment
• Perform material inspections/analysis of ingredients, work in progress, and finished products
• Work with other departments as required
• Attend in-house workshops and training seminars when required to ensure job knowledge, safety practices and operational efficiencies are up to date with company expectations
• Complete tasks in an accurate and timely fashion
• Maintain clear and concise record keeping
• Flexible to work overtime to meet customer requirements when requested
• Perform other assigned duties as needed
• Learn the proper use and maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Learn and become proficient with the company’s various software systems
  
  

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• 1 year of experience working in food, beverage, pharmaceutical or related laboratory/academic institution
• 1 year of laboratory experience in research, development, innovation, quality, or related experience
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Ability to perform organoleptic (sensory) testing
• Proficient in basic math skills
• Must be able to properly wear all safety PPE’s (Personal Protective Equipment)
• Ability to learn internal computer systems for the execution of sample submissions to customers
• Must have essential people skills: communication, initiative, collaboration, active listening, curiosity, professionalism
• Ability to maintain a sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time and operate computer equipment
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time while working in the lab
• Ability to lift containers up to 50 lbs when required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with Microsoft 365, Windows OS, and basic Excel & Powerpoint functionality
• Ability to navigate various ERP systems and software
• Interest in R&D, Innovation, Tea Creation, and/or Beverage Application Development
• Strong communication skills and punctuality
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment

Work Environment:

• This position is an on-site role based in Indianapolis, Indiana (Airport Area)
• This position is primarily in a lab environment but may spend time in office environment for projects
• As a Food & Beverage Manufacturer, this position will be required to follow Good Manufacturing Practices around sanitation and safety

What Vibrant Ingredients can offer you:

• Hands-on experience in a growing, innovative organization
• Mentorship and professional development opportunities
• Exposure to real-world New Product Development and R&D processes and opportunities within a manufacturing environment
• Networking opportunities across departments

More about us:

Vibrant Ingredients, headquartered in Lake Mary, FL, is one of the world's leading independent providers of natural ingredients. With a legacy spanning over 70 years, we deliver a diverse portfolio of clean label ingredients and innovative system solutions to the food and beverage industry. Our commitment to quality and performance is reflected in our American-made products, which enhance both taste and functionality.

"Improving the food and beverages consumed by providing real ingredients from nature that work."

EEO Statement

Vibrant Ingredients is an equal opportunity employer committed to employing a diverse workforce and providing accommodations for people with disabilities in all parts of the hiring process as required under its Employment Accommodation Policy. Vibrant Ingredients will work with applicants to meet accommodation needs that are made known to Vibrant Ingredients in advance.