Co-Op - Chemical Engineering (Process R&D)

Cambrex•Waltham, MA

About The Position

Snapdragon Chemistry, a Cambrex company, is seeking a chemical engineering co-op to support its Digital Twin program. The program combines modeling with process data, physical properties, and equipment information to support process understanding and technology transfer. The co-op will join an innovative team of scientists and engineers in a fast-paced environment and contribute to pharmaceutical process development and analytical laboratory work. The ideal candidate is pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree expected to be completed by 2028 and has strong written and oral communication skills. The position involves supporting day-to-day laboratory operations, method setup, equipment troubleshooting, and project deliverables. The co-op will work under manager supervision when following standard operating procedures and basic regulatory guidance. The role also requires maintaining familiarity with the company chemical hygiene plan, following safe work practices and chemical disposal procedures, and complying with applicable regulations. Periodic travel to other Cambrex sites may be required, at less than 10%. The role is performed in a laboratory environment where employees may be exposed to chemicals and must wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as safety eyewear, lab coats, and gloves. Physical activities include regularly standing, bending, and climbing; frequently sitting, walking, crawling, stooping, and handling objects, tools, or controls; and occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds. The position requires close and distance vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus, and ability to observe color changes.

Requirements

Actively pursuing a degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
Pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree expected to be completed by 2028.
Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
Organizational skills and ability to work in a diverse team environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft SharePoint, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Basic understanding of undergraduate chemical engineering curriculum.
Basic understanding of key engineering R&D equipment, such as pumps, heat exchangers, and reactors.
Ability to comply with SOPs and basic regulatory guidance under manager supervision.
Limited understanding and awareness of key analytical R&D equipment, with ability to operate it under supervision.
Basic understanding of the laboratory investigation process.
Ability to share ideas with peers.
Ability to organize work efficiently and manage time effectively.
Safety awareness and safe work practices.
Ability to meet the described physical demands, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.

Responsibilities

Apply scientific knowledge and develop technology to address analytical challenges in pharmaceutical process development.
Contribute to daily analytical laboratory operations and assist with method setup and equipment troubleshooting.
Contribute to activities that build upon Snapdragon Chemistry’s proprietary knowledge and technology and realize their value-creation potential.
Participate in project teams to complete complex deliverables within stringent timelines and communicate results to key stakeholders.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of continuous flow technology, process analytical technologies, and process development principles.
Follow SOPs and basic regulatory guidance under manager supervision.
Maintain a good laboratory notebook, perform data entry, and comply with GDP.
Maintain familiarity with the company chemical hygiene plan, follow safe work practices, and follow responsible chemical disposal procedures.
Comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Travel periodically to other Cambrex sites if required (less than 10%).