Biologics Formulation Intern

Zoetis • Kalamazoo, MI

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Zoetis is seeking a Biologics Formulation Intern to contribute to development of a moisture-prediction model for lyophilized drug products. This 10–12-week summer internship in Kalamazoo, Michigan 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 with a range of moisture levels, collect paired Karl Fischer (KF) and NIR data, and develop and evaluate a chemometric model such as partial least squares (PLS) regression. The project aims to enable faster moisture analysis and support future implementation of 100% vial testing and improved lyophilization process development.

The intern will conduct laboratory experiments under supervision, document findings, and contribute to technical reports, posters or presentations, and analytical-method documentation. The position is designated Full time Intern (Trainee) Colleague. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; sponsorship decisions are at Zoetis's sole discretion.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical/Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience working in a laboratory setting, operating laboratory equipment, and recording data.
• Comfort working with data using Excel, JMP, or similar tools.
• Detail-oriented and structured, with the ability to document experimental work.
• Effective communication skills.
• Must possess or obtain authorization to work in the United States for Zoetis.

Nice To Haves

• Interest in learning lyophilization techniques, PAT, spectroscopy (NIR/IR), and/or analytical methods.

Responsibilities

• Familiarize with and operate freeze-drying/lyophilization equipment and prepare formulations across defined 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 chemometric 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 and document findings.
• Contribute to technical reports, posters or presentations, and analytical-method documentation supporting future PAT implementation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern