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.
