Biologics Formulation Intern
Listed on 2026-10-21
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Research/Development
Research Scientist, Data Scientist, Pharmaceutical Science/ Research, Research Assistant/Associate
Description:
We are seeking a talented Biologics Formulations Summer Intern to join our team and contribute to the development of a robust moisture-prediction model for lyophilized drug products. In this role, you will support formulation development and data-driven research efforts aimed at improving the stability, quality, and performance of lyophilized pharmaceuticals.
Biologics Formulation Intern:
Advancing Moisture Analytics:
Development of a NIR Spectroscopy Method and Chemometric Model for Lyophilized Biopharmaceutical Products
Location:
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Summary:
This 10-12-week internship will focus on developing a rapid, non-destructive Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy method to measure moisture content in lyophilized drug products as a Process Analytical Technology (PAT) tool. The intern will prepare samples across a range of moisture levels, collect paired Karl Fischer (KF) and NIR data, and develop and evaluate a chemo metric model, such as partial least squares (PLS) regression.
The project aims to enable faster, more efficient moisture analysis and support the future implementation of 100% vial testing and improved lyophilization process development.
Job Duties:
- Familiarize and operate freeze-drying/lyophilization equipment and prepare formulations across a defined range of moisture-content targets.
- Perform Karl Fischer (KF) titration and acquire Near-Infrared (NIR) spectra using established sample-handling and laboratory procedures.
- Develop, optimize, and evaluate chemo metric models-such as PLS regression-to correlate NIR spectra with KF moisture measurements.
- Process and analyze experimental data, assess model performance, and support method optimization to minimize false-positive and false-negative results.
- Conduct laboratory experiments under supervision, document findings, and contribute to technical reports and posters/presentations and analytical-method documentation supporting future PAT implementation.
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical/Biomedical Engineering, or a related field
- Experience working in a laboratory setting, operating laboratory equipment, recording data
- Interested in learning Lyophilization techniques, PAT, spectroscopy (NIR/IR), and/or analytical methods
- Comfortable working with data (e.g. Excel, JMP, or similar)
- Detail-oriented, structured, and able to document experimental work
- Effective communication skills
The following hourly pay rates reflect the anticipated base pay for this position:
If the selected candidate is a student pursuing an Associate-level degree: $16.00 per hour
If the selected candidate is a student pursuing an Undergraduate-level degree: $22.00 per hour
If the selected candidate is a student pursing a Graduate-level degree: $32.50 per hour
If the selected candidate is a student pursuing a Doctorate-level degree: $36.00 per hour
The following hourly pay rates reflect the anticipated base pay for this position if a selected candidate were to be located in California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois (Chicago area), Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Washington (Seattle area):
Student pursuing an Associate-level degree: $17.00 per hour
Student pursuing an Undergraduate-level degree: $24.20 per hour
Student pursing a Graduate-level degree: $36.40 per hour
Student pursuing a Doctorate-level degree: $40.30 per hour
Zoetis is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status or any other protected classification. Disabled individuals are given an equal opportunity to use our online application system. We offer reasonable accommodations as an alternative if requested by an individual with a disability.
Please contact Zoetis Colleague Services at zoeti to request an accommodation. Zoetis also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act. All applicants must possess or obtain authorization to work in the US for Zoetis. Zoetis retains sole and exclusive discretion to pursue sponsorship for the acquisition or maintenance of nonimmigrant status and employment eligibility, considering factors such as…
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