Application by sending a CV and covering letter.

Student will be selected by an interview.

Volac is a fast-growing, ambitious international dairy business. We turn our passion for dairy nutrition into great products that advance the health and performance of consumers and farm animals. Our heritage inspires us, because it’s built on family values and innovation. We care deeply for our customers and enjoy helping our partners, friends and communities prosper, so together we create a sustainable healthier world.

Volac manufacture a range of animal nutrition products including feed additives, fat supplements and whey based calf milk replacers. Volac also manufacture lactic acid bacteria for the preservation of forage for ruminant production. Volac products, services and advice is utilised throughout the global agricultural markets.

To see more about the Volac business see:

• Calf milk replacers: https://youtu.be/mcr45TEbwm8
• Feed Fat Supplements: https://youtu.be/bhqI-q4A-d0

Volac’s animal nutrition R&D labs are based in Port Talbot, this is also where the fermentation plant for their silage inoculants and production plant for their feed additives is based. The R&D animal nutrition team is focused in developing innovative products that advance the health and productivity of animals in a sustainable manner. Research spans across an array of different fields including immunology, microbiology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, bioinformatics, protein science and genetics.

The United Nations (UN) highlights 23 key global issues, of which food security and sustainability number amongst them, that are the most critical issues facing the world today. By 2050, it is estimated that the world must feed 9 billion people and that the demand for food will be 60% more than today. Current estimates show that nearly 690 million people (8.9% of the world population) do not have enough food, and by 2030 this figure would surpass 840 million. It is therefore crucial that agricultural productivity is increased in a sustainable way to ensure food security, sustainability, climate change, and conservation of the environment.

Volac’s animal nutrition R&D team are focused on developing innovative products that advance the health and productivity of animals in a sustainable manner. An internship with the Volac R&D team will provide a highly rewarding experience of confidential research for either new product development (proof-of-concept from lab to field) or supporting existing product sales (commercial research trials). Generally speaking each project includes:

• Collaborating with members of the R&D team to develop new analytical/experimental methods to further R&D projects; for example, developing a new method to measure the activity of a specific enzyme or a method to measure a certain molecule/ toxin using the LC/MS.
• A R&D lab project either producing preliminary data for proof-of-concept trial for new product development or to support existing product sales.
• A desk-based research piece (normally directly related to either the lab project or development of a new method).
• Depending on the time of placement, the opportunity to attend a commercial industrial show.

This internship would suit a student who is interested in developing their data analysis and technical skills and who is interested in learning more about new and current product development in animal health/agricultural industries. Due to the highly confidential nature of some projects undertaken at Volac, the focus of the project will be mutually agreed during the application process.

Essential skills:

• An independent working style.
• Willingness to embrace new approaches and technology.
• Basic laboratory experience with a keenness to develop these further.
• Adherence to non-disclosure agreements.
• Good quantitative skills (maths/ statistics).
• Curious and creative
• Flexibility when faced with change
• Accurate; attention to detail and quality
• Team player

Desirable experience:

• Knowledge of the agriculture industry
• Proficient in using a statistical program