Analytical R&D Fellowship – Formulation and Solubility Studies (Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellow)

Merk • Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Our Research Laboratories (MRL) is a global research organization with over 6000 employees globally, with the mission “to discover, develop and provide innovative products and services that save and improve lives around the world”. At its core, MRL is a science-driven R&D organization focused on the discovery, development, and delivery of innovative medicines and vaccines. Our Research Scientists are our Inventors. Using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities and robust scientific methodology, we collaborate to discover the next medical breakthrough. The Vaccine Analytical Research & Development department of our Research & Development Division is seeking applicants for an Analytical R&D Intern position at its West Point, Pennsylvania research facility. The Analytical R&D Intern is a laboratory-based scientific role tasked with solving complex analytical problems at the interface of biology, chemistry, and lab informatics disciplines to enable development of Vaccine supporting process development, formulation development, vaccine investigations and method lifecycle management.
In this role, the individual will work with a team of scientists to develop state-of-the-art analytical techniques, such as separations of small molecules, polymers, proteins, conjugates, and nanoparticles to evaluate formulations and perform solubility studies using chromatographic (HPLC and CE) as well as spectroscopic techniques (UV-VIS, IR , Fluorescence, and NMR), Immunoassay, and classical chemistry techniques. The individual should also have knowledge of these chemical and analytical techniques. Lab automation / informatics is considered a plus. The successful candidate must be able to collaborate and perform work at a high level in a fast-paced, integrated, multidisciplinary team environment. Applicants must have effective organizational, multi-tasking, oral/written communications skills, show scientific leadership and integrity, good documentation practices and a desire to conduct research and publish. Evidence of strong cross-functional collaboration is also preferred.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual for a 12-week fellowship opportunity to support formulation and analytical development activities for a project focused on the solubility of oleic acid in vaccine/large molecule formulations. This role offers hands-on experience in pharmaceutical analytical development, experimental execution, data analysis, and scientific documentation within a collaborative laboratory environment. The fellow will work closely with the mentor (Program Leader) and scientists to generate data that informs formulation risk assessment, stability understanding, and development decisions.

Requirements

• Candidates must be transitioning service members who will complete the program within the last 180 days of transition from military service.
• A bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong interest in pharmaceutical development, analytical chemistry, and formulation science.
• Foundational laboratory experience in solution preparation, dilutions, sample handling, and data recording.
• Experience operating in structured, regulated environments
• following SOPs / technical procedures
• history of documentation accuracy
• cross-functional teamwork
• problem-solving under pressure
• equipment operation and troubleshooting
• mission focus, adaptability, and accountability
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to high-quality documentation.
• Ability to analyze data, draw conclusions, and communicate findings effectively in written and verbal formats.

Nice To Haves

• Lab automation / informatics is considered a plus.
• Working knowledge of common analytical techniques such as HPLC, NMR, UV, or related methods is preferred.
• previous coursework or laboratory exposure in analytical method development, formulation development, physical chemistry, stability studies, or pharmaceutical analysis is beneficial.
• Familiarity with regulated laboratory practices, electronic laboratory notebooks, and statistical or data visualization tools is not required, but advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and execution of laboratory studies evaluating oleic acid solubility in representative formulation matrices.
• Prepare buffers, reagents, and sample solutions according to approved procedures and study plans.
• Assist with sample preparation and execution of analytical testing using chromatographic and related analytical techniques.
• Document experimental work clearly and accurately in laboratory notebooks and data files.
• Compile, organize, and analyze experimental data to support trending, formulation effects, and identification of risk thresholds.
• Contribute to preparation of technical summaries, presentations, and study reports.
• Collaborate with Analytical R&D scientists to troubleshoot experiments, interpret results, and refine study plans.
• Maintain laboratory organization, inventory, and adherence to safety and quality requirements.
• Participate in team meetings and share progress updates on experimental activities and findings.
• We welcome applicants with military experience and value leadership, discipline, teamwork, and mission-driven execution.
• Candidates with experience in regulated, technical, operational, or laboratory-adjacent environments are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• By the end of the internship, the candidate is expected to have contributed to the generation of high-quality experimental data, supported interpretation of formulation-specific solubility behavior, and helped build technical documentation that informs project decisions.
• The role is intended to provide meaningful exposure to Analytical R&D in a pharmaceutical setting, networking opportunities, presentations to diverse audiences while developing practical laboratory, analytical, and scientific skills.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level