Functional Food and Nutrition Internship

For more than 18 years, the Functional Food Center (FFC) has promoted research for further development and commercialization of functional foods for chronic diseases. Join us in the innovative work we do- either by organizing conferences, writing textbooks, or publishing peer-reviewed articles in the journal of Functional Foods in Health and Disease (FFHD). We are looking for dedicated and detail-oriented interns who are eager to learn and hone new skills. We especially welcome students who are looking for an internship with academic credit.

FFC helps students and recent graduates learn more about functional food science and gain excellent research, writing, and editing skills. All internships are flexible and based on intern’s objectives. Plus, since all internships are virtual and remote, we accept students from all around the US and cater to their work availability. As an intern, you will increase your knowledge on the topic of functional food and chronic disease. Working with the journal and providing content on the subject to professionals will improve your communication and writing skills. This internship is a great way to see a different side of the nutrition field.

Through this internship, you will gain invaluable experience with the scientific research community, functional foods and bioactive compounds, and communication skills to thrive in a variety of career opportunities related to biology, food, nutrition, health, media studies, and more. We look forward to connecting with you about this exciting opportunity with the Functional Food Center.

This internship involves writing and/or editing bi-weekly newsletters for our 1,200,000 subscribers composed of scientists, medical doctors, dietitians, nutritionists, and food industry professionals. Interns may complete scientific research alongside a mentor, with the goal of publication. Also, helping to edit, review, and publish articles submitted to the Journal of Functional Foods in Health and Disease (FFHD). FFHD is a peer-reviewed and open access journal, that strives to develop concepts that help readers understand the mechanisms of disease and the creation of specific functional and medicinal foods used for the prevention and management of various diseases. Interns may also will help research and write portions of upcoming functional food textbooks. Additionally, interns may have the possibility to work on grant writing. Lastly, interns with proven potential may get the opportunity to submit their own abstract and give a presentation at one of our international conferences.

For supervision of our remote internship, there are many measures that we put into place in order to assist our interns and supervise them to make sure they are learning and contributing during their internship. First off, we require that each student downloads Skype and creates an account (if they do not already have one). The majority of the means of communication is through Skype messenger and Skype calls. We use Skype messenger and call to discuss tasks and projects and provide feedback on those designated tasks. There is always an employee on Skype during the intern’s work period to provide feedback and assistance if they need.  

Additionally, when an intern begins their internship, we provide them with a shared Google folder where their timesheet and designated projects will be stored. In that shared folder, interns will document their “time in” and “time out” on their shared Google sheet within the folder. We also will have editable documents where employees will post tasks and new ideas for projects. While the student is working, they are responsible for working within that Google folder so that we can see the work they are doing. If an internet service outside of the Google folder is being used for their specific task, we use Skype to regularly follow up with the intern during their time period to check on their progress. 

1) Certificate for Internship

2) Certificate for a free 12-month membership for the Academic Society for Functional Foods and Bioactive Compounds

3) One free conference registration within 12 months of internship

4) Support with recommendation letter if needed

5) If interested, possible academic credit