Liquid Intern (Applications from University of Reading University Students Only) in Stafford

Job Title: Diageo Liquid Development Intern – Student Placement, University of Reading (Food & Nutritional Sciences)

Dates: July/August 2026 – July/August 2027

Location: Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, England

Note: This internship is in partnership with the University of Reading. Only candidates from the University of Reading, enrolled in Food & Nutritional Sciences or closely related programmes, and applying for Year 2 placements are eligible.

About Diageo: With over 200 brands sold in nearly 180 countries, we’re the world’s leading premium drinks company. Our portfolio includes iconic spirits such as Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray, and Smirnoff, alongside a rapidly growing Ready-to-Drink (RTD) category.

About The Role: As a Liquid Development Intern within our Global Innovation R&D team, you will work in our Bishop’s Stortford laboratory supporting the development of new products including spirits, flavoured products, and RTDs. This is a hands-on technical role, focused on formulation, experimentation, and data-driven decision making. You will support global R&D Innovation projects by designing and delivering experiments, generating robust data, and contributing to the development and optimisation of drink and product performance.

Role Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments to support ideation, drink development and formulation and optimisation
• Prepare and blend samples with precise control of ingredients, concentrations, and processing conditions
• Apply principles of food science, chemistry and ingredient functionality to understand flavour interactions, stability, and performance
• Generate, record, and analyse experimental data to support project decisions
• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation in line with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
• Interpret results and communicate findings clearly to technical and cross-functional teams
• Conduct stability testing and shelf-life assessments, identifying potential risks and mitigation strategies
• Support sensory evaluation studies, linking analytical results with sensory outcomes
• Follow strict health, safety, and COSHH protocols, maintaining high laboratory standards
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, while taking ownership of defined technical tasks
• Manage multiple experiments and priorities within a fast-paced R&D environment
• Contribute to problem-solving by identifying root causes and proposing evidence-based solutions

Experience / Skills Required:

• Studying Food & Nutritional Sciences (or a closely related scientific discipline) at the University of Reading
• Strong foundation in food science & technology, chemistry, or formulation science
• Understanding of experimental design, data analysis, and scientific methodology
• Curiosity about creative, liquid formulation, ingredient interactions, and product stability
• Familiarity with laboratory techniques and equipment (desirable)
• Awareness of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and safe lab working
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with high attention to detail
• Ability to interpret data and draw evidence-based conclusions
• Good written and verbal communication skills, particularly in communicating technical findings
• Proactive, organised, and able to manage workload independently
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other data-handling tools

This role is ideal for candidates who enjoy hands-on laboratory work, scientific problem-solving, and applying theory to practical product development. You will gain valuable experience working on complex, real-world challenges in a global R&D environment.

Diversity Statement: Our purpose is to celebrate life, every day, everywhere. And creating an inclusive culture, where everyone feels valued and that they can belong, is a crucial part of this. We accept diversity in the broadest possible sense. This means that being yourself will be encouraged and celebrated just as you are. You’ll be part of and help build and champion an inclusive culture that celebrates people of different gender, ethnicity, ability, age, sexual orientation, social class, educational backgrounds, experiences, mindsets, and more. Our ambition is to create the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world. Join us and help shape the next generation of drinks through science and innovation.