Culinary Innovation & Research Internship

About the role#

The Culinary Innovation & Research Internship is a 10-week program designed to immerse participants in culinary operations and innovation. This role focuses on improving the dining experience for older adults and serves as a talent pipeline for future culinary leadership opportunities within the organization.

What you'll do#

• Participate in community tours and culinary immersion experiences.
• Research adaptive dining and finger-food programs.
• Develop creative culinary concepts and recipes.
• Conduct recipe testing, tastings, and resident evaluations.
• Analyze nutrition, production feasibility, and food costs.
• Create standardized recipes and production procedures.
• Document culinary innovations and gather feedback from residents and team members.
• Assist in establishing a framework for future internship programs.
• Present a final project and recommendations to leadership.

What you'll need#

• Current enrollment in or recent graduation from a Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Food Science, Nutrition, or related program.
• ServSafe Certification.
• Passion for culinary innovation and hospitality.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Previous restaurant, hotel, healthcare, or foodservice experience is preferred.
• Interest in senior living, wellness, healthcare dining, or research and development.

Location & details#

• Location: Johnston, Iowa.
• Term: Summer 2026.
• Modality: On-site.
• Employment type: Full-time, paid internship.
• Sponsorship: Not available.