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

Merk • Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This is an unpaid, 12-week Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship for transitioning service members participating in the program. The fellow will support formulation and analytical development activities for a project studying oleic acid solubility in vaccine and large-molecule formulations at the company’s West Point, Pennsylvania research facility. Working with a mentor (Program Leader) and Analytical R&D scientists, the fellow will generate and analyze data that informs formulation risk assessment, stability understanding, and development decisions.

The laboratory-based role involves developing and applying analytical techniques at the intersection of biology, chemistry, and laboratory informatics. Work may include evaluating formulations and conducting solubility studies using chromatographic methods such as HPLC and CE; spectroscopic techniques such as UV-VIS, IR, fluorescence, and NMR; immunoassays; and classical chemistry methods. The fellowship provides hands-on exposure to pharmaceutical analytical development, experimental execution, data analysis, scientific documentation, and collaboration in a multidisciplinary laboratory environment.

The position is on-site in West Point, PA, with Monday–Thursday core hours of 9:00 a.m.–4:40 p.m. and flexible start and stop times. This is a training fellowship aligned with DoD SkillBridge guidelines, not an offer of employment, and is exclusively for active participants in the Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program.

Requirements

• Be a transitioning service member participating in the Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program and complete the program within the last 180 days of transition from military service.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Have a strong interest in pharmaceutical development, analytical chemistry, and formulation science.
• Have foundational laboratory experience in solution preparation, dilutions, sample handling, and data recording.
• Have strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to high-quality documentation.
• Be able to analyze data, draw conclusions, and communicate findings effectively in written and verbal formats.

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of common analytical techniques such as HPLC, NMR, UV, or related methods.
• Experience in structured, regulated environments, including following SOPs or technical procedures and maintaining accurate documentation.
• Experience with cross-functional teamwork, problem-solving under pressure, equipment operation, and troubleshooting.
• Previous coursework or laboratory exposure in analytical method development, formulation development, physical chemistry, stability studies, or pharmaceutical analysis.
• Familiarity with regulated laboratory practices, electronic laboratory notebooks, and statistical or data visualization tools.
• Experience with lab automation or informatics.
• Evidence of strong cross-functional collaboration.

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 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, assess formulation effects, and identify risk thresholds.
• Contribute to technical summaries, presentations, and study reports.
• Collaborate with Analytical R&D scientists to troubleshoot experiments, interpret results, and refine study plans.
• Maintain laboratory organization and inventory, and follow safety and quality requirements.
• Participate in team meetings and share progress on experimental activities and findings.

Benefits

• Hands-on experience in pharmaceutical analytical development, experimental execution, data analysis, and scientific documentation.
• Networking opportunities and opportunities to present to diverse audiences.
• Development of practical laboratory, analytical, and scientific skills.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern