Formulation Development Co-Op (Spring/Summer 2027)
About The Position
Panther is developing smart microarray patches (SmartPatches) that deliver treatments through the skin for skin health and systemic health applications. The Formulation Development Co-Op is a six-month, hands-on wet-lab position beginning in January 2027, with the option to extend through the summer. The co-op will iterate on SmartPatch formulations and standardize process and record keeping to support algorithmic formulation development. Working with the Formulation, Process Development, Device, and algorithmic development teams, the co-op will independently prepare and test formulations, characterize historical formulations in standardized formats, and use Panther’s internal frontier model to explore new formulations and active ingredients. The role includes maintaining rigorous experimental records, analyzing results, and sharing findings that help the team develop formulations more quickly and consistently.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in Chemistry, Biology, Chemical or Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field, and eligible for a co-op term.
- Hands-on wet laboratory experience, including precision pipetting and independently preparing buffers and formulations using a balance.
- Experience designing and running experiments with proper controls.
- Highly organized note taking and disciplined laboratory notebook documentation.
- Solid general chemistry and biology knowledge.
- Experience using AI models to assist in research.
- Comfort with Microsoft Office and Google Drive, or the ability to learn them quickly.
- A hardworking self-starter who is calm under pressure, excited to learn, personable and respectful, and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with hyaluronic acid-based formulations, hydrogels, or microneedle arrays.
- Experience training AI models for research.
- Experience automating note taking and record keeping.
Responsibilities
- Prepare buffers and formulations independently using an analytical balance and precision pipetting.
- Run initial tests on new formulations, including SmartPatch strength testing and initiating stability studies.
- Run dissolution and penetration analyses, including sample preparation as needed.
- Iterate on formulations using a range of polymer matrices and active pharmaceutical ingredients.
- Learn and follow SOPs to characterize past formulations using the Algorithmic Formulation Template.
- Fill gaps in standardized formulation data for use by Panther’s internal frontier model.
- Maintain complete, accurate laboratory notebooks and records for every experiment.
- Test how algorithmic formulation can speed up formulation development in the lab.
- Help improve the algorithmic formulation workflow or use it to formulate new active pharmaceutical ingredients into SmartPatches.
- Identify ways to automate note taking and record keeping.
- Analyze results, identify trends, and recommend next experiments.
- Share findings with the Formulation, Process Development, Device, and algorithmic development teams.
Benefits
- Hands-on ownership of real formulation work used in Panther’s products.
- Close mentorship from the Formulation team and exposure to Process Development, Device, and algorithmic development work.
- Experience applying frontier AI models to formulation science at an early-stage biotech.
- A small, collaborative team where work is seen and ideas are heard.
- In-person company events.
- Fully stocked kitchen and in-office lunch twice a week.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
