Biologics Formulation Intern

Zoetis • Kalamazoo, MI

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Zoetis is seeking a Biologics Formulation Summer Intern to contribute to development of a moisture-prediction model for lyophilized drug products. The internship project focuses on developing a rapid, non-destructive Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy method and chemometric model to measure moisture content as a Process Analytical Technology (PAT) tool. The intern will prepare samples with varying moisture levels, collect corresponding Karl Fischer (KF) and NIR data, and develop and evaluate a chemometric model such as partial least squares (PLS) regression. The project aims to support faster moisture analysis, potential 100% vial testing, and improved lyophilization process development.

This is a 10–12-week internship based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The intern will conduct laboratory work under supervision, document findings, and contribute to technical reports, posters or presentations, and analytical-method documentation. Hourly pay depends on the student's degree level: $16.00 for Associate-level, $22.00 for Undergraduate-level, $32.50 for Graduate-level, and $36.00 for Doctorate-level students. For candidates located in specified higher-pay jurisdictions, the corresponding rates are $17.00, $24.20, $36.40, and $40.30 per hour, respectively.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical or 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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Familiarize themselves 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 and presentations, and analytical-method documentation supporting future PAT implementation.

What This Job Offers

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