Process Development Co-Op (Spring/Summer 2027)

Panther Life Sciences • Pittsburgh, PA

19h • $110,000 - $150,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Panther is developing smart microarray patches (SmartPatches) that deliver shelf-stable treatments for skin and systemic health needs. The Process Development Co-Op is a six-month position beginning in January 2027, with the option to extend through the summer. The role focuses on critical filling and drying process steps for microarray patches and works closely with the Process Development, Formulation, and Device teams to refine and optimize manufacturing processes.

This hands-on laboratory role involves planning and running experiments, troubleshooting equipment, characterizing patches, and translating results into usable data. The co-op will help integrate a Nordson dispensing system and vacuum-based filling into the process, update process flows and work instructions, and support clean-room pilot production runs. Findings will contribute to an updated process and datasets used to support Panther’s progress toward its first product launch.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in Engineering (such as chemical, biomedical, mechanical, or materials engineering), Chemistry, or a related field, and eligible for a co-op term.
• Hands-on wet laboratory experience, including pipetting and microscopy.
• Experience operating laboratory equipment such as pumps.
• Disciplined laboratory notebook documentation.
• Strong data analysis and spreadsheet skills in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
• Effective presentation skills, including the ability to clearly explain data and its implications.
• Driven and well organized, with a curious mindset and a genuine passion for the company’s mission.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with clean-room work.
• Experience with fluid dispensing or drying processes.
• Microneedle or drug-delivery coursework or research.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute experiments on the filling and drying steps of microarray patch manufacturing.
• Operate and troubleshoot laboratory equipment, including pumps, dispensing systems, and vacuum systems.
• Characterize patches produced in each run, including inspection by microscopy.
• Maintain a complete and accurate laboratory notebook for every experiment.
• Support integration of a Nordson dispensing system and vacuum-based filling into the process.
• Help update process flows and work instructions as equipment and workflows are introduced.
• Support clean-room pilot production runs using the updated process.
• Build and maintain datasets of experimental runs in Excel or Google Sheets.
• Analyze results, identify trends, and recommend next experiments.
• Present findings to the Process Development, Formulation, and Device teams.
• Research methods and technologies that could improve filling and drying steps.
• Use internal resources and team expertise to propose and test process improvements.

Benefits

• Close mentorship from the Process Development team and exposure to Formulation and Device work.
• In-person company events.
• Fully stocked kitchen and in-office lunch twice a week.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern