Human Nutrition Internship 2026 presso National Pork Board

Description

We are seeking a knowledgeable, creative, and enthusiastic person to help with our health and nutrition efforts. Reporting to the Director of Human Nutrition and the Director of Nutrition, Health and Wellness Initiatives, the Nutrition Intern will help with a wide variety of activities and events from assisting in the creation of pork-centric nutrition content to developing research initiatives and communications. Must have a passion for inspiring people to live a healthy lifestyle and be comfortable with reading, interpreting, and communicating science. Previous culinary or food service experience is a plus.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Participate in planning and execution of nutrition-related events and activities.
• Participate and lead nutrition cooking and educational activities for staff and external stakeholders.
• Translating our nutrition strategy into plans, projects, and programs in collaboration with the Domestic Marketing Team. 
• Assisting in the coordination and production of cooking classes in our innovation kitchen including testing recipes, ordering groceries, prepping ingredients, organizing details, etc. 
• Compiling competitive intelligence on nutrition related products, programs, and promotions.
• Working with internal teams to develop meaningful nutrition communications that build brand loyalty, create brand advocates, connect with consumers in a compelling way and drive pork sales.
• Developing nutrition resources and guides to support pork’s role in health and wellness for students and professionals 
• Coordinating nutrition research initiatives to support science.
• Participate in agricultural leadership and pork leadership events and activities.

Requirements

• Student working towards a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and/or Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics and/or Doctorate in Nutrition.
• Must demonstrate strong organizational skills and ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read, interpret and communicate nutrition science.
• Strong collaboration and people skills.
• Close attention to detail.
• Strong initiative and self-starter.
• Travel will be expected (all expenses paid for work-related trips).

Criteria for applying: 

• Hours: 40 hrs./week
• Internships are paid starting at $17/hour (undergraduate) or $19/hr (graduate)  
• NPB internships are generally scheduled May 18 - August 7, 2026. 
• All intern positions are based at our office in Clive, IA. 
• All interns will be expected to secure their own housing for the summer; a living stipend is provided. 
• Application deadline is October 28th. 

The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, technology, swine health, pork safety and environmental management. Applicants should be able to support the mission of the organization with enthusiasm to serve U.S. pork producers. 

The National Pork Board has been recognized nationally as a “best place to work”. We are an equal opportunity employer and offer an exceptional benefits package and work environment. Visit us online at www.pork.org.