CPT Food Scientist Jobs
Food Scientist roles in product development, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance qualify for CPT when your DSO confirms the work directly integrates with your food science, nutrition, or related degree program. CPT authorization must be in place before your first day, and your I-20 must reflect the updated practical training dates.
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Position Title:
Intern - Food Animal Medicine and Surgery Specialty
Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
Iowa State University (ISU) is offering a one year Food Animal Medicine and Surgery specialty internship. The internship is distinguished by a high-volume, diverse caseload for food animals and South American camelids. The caseload is characterized by 65% cattle, 30% small ruminants, and 5% pigs and camelids with a large percentage of the cases being true production livestock in addition to companion and high-value show and genetics livestock. The service additionally performs a large variety of food animal surgeries both elective and emergency.
The College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University, Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center, and Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine offers a Food Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship program designed to prepare interns for specialty residency and/or obtain further proficiency in Food Animal Medicine and Surgery. The internship program is one year in duration.
Interns will primarily be assigned clinical duty within the Food Animal and Camelid Hospital and will share primary emergency duties with other food animal medicine residents and interns. Emergency duty will be supported by clinical faculty.
Interns will also have the opportunity to rotate through other clinical services such as equine medicine, theriogenology, food animal field services, radiology, and clinical pathology or additional services depending on intern interests. Interns participate in clinical rounds, seminars, journal club, continuing education programs, and various sections and departmental academic programs. Two weeks are assigned for vacation and/or research opportunities. The Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center is a state-of-the-art facility that provides specialized care and comprehensive medical and surgical services for companion and large animals throughout Iowa and surrounding states. Our clinicians, residents, interns, technicians, staff, and senior veterinary students work collaboratively to provide 24-hour, high-quality care to animal patients. Iowa State University offers a competitive salary and one of the most comprehensive benefits packages to interns.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- DVM or equivalent degree.
- Registration with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy in compliance with the Controlled Substances Registration Act will be required prior to clinical practice.
- Licensure by the State of Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine upon employment start date.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong interest in food animal and camelid medicine.
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Postdocs enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing Program
Proposed Start Date:
July 15, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
Post Docs
Original Posting Date:
June 17, 2026
Posting Close Date:
June 30, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19398
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
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Get Access To All JobsFood Scientist CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a food scientist role at a food manufacturer qualify for CPT?
Yes, if the work is an integral part of your degree program and your DSO approves it. Roles in product development, quality control, regulatory affairs, and sensory science at food manufacturers commonly qualify when tied to food science, nutrition, or related coursework. Your school, not the employer, makes the final CPT determination based on your specific curriculum.
Can I do CPT at a government food safety agency or research lab?
Yes. Federal agencies like the FDA, USDA, and EPA hire food science students for internships and research roles that qualify for CPT. The same rules apply: your DSO must authorize the placement before you start, and the work must connect to your degree program. Government positions often require additional background screening, so start the process earlier than you would for a private employer.
How do I find food scientist employers who won't hesitate on CPT paperwork?
Migrate Mate lets you filter food scientist roles by employers with verified sponsorship history, which signals familiarity with international student work authorization. Companies that have previously hired on OPT or H-1B visa understand CPT documentation requirements and are less likely to rescind offers over authorization delays.
Does full-time CPT during the school year affect my OPT eligibility?
Yes. If you accumulate 12 or more months of full-time CPT, you lose your OPT eligibility entirely. Part-time CPT, regardless of duration, doesn't affect OPT. If your food scientist role is full-time, track your cumulative CPT days carefully across all authorizations. Your DSO can confirm your running total before you accept a new placement.
What happens if my food scientist CPT employer wants to extend my internship past my I-20 end date?
You'll need a program extension approved by your DSO before your current I-20 expires. Your academic advisor must confirm the extended CPT still fits within your degree requirements. CPT authorization is tied to your I-20 validity dates, so working even one day past those dates without an updated I-20 puts your F-1 status at risk.