2027 Summer Intern PhD Student - Drug Product Development Sterile Formulation

Bristol Myers Squibb; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 51,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Bristol Myers Squibb in New Brunswick, NJ is offering a 10-week summer internship in Drug Product Development. Interns will work with mentors on sterile formulation development and delivery technologies for biologics and small molecules, combining wet- and dry-lab activities.

Participants gain hands-on experience in formulation screening, stability assessment, and physicochemical characterization, while learning about BMS and collaborating across teams.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited university program pursuing a PhD in Pharmaceutical Science, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical or Biomedical Engineering, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Support sterile formulation development and novel drug delivery tech exploration for biologics and small molecules.
• Assist with formulation screening, stability assessment, and characterization.
• Collaborate with mentors and teams to inform formulation design and process optimization.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Lab experience

Problem solving

Education

PhD-level program (Pharmaceutical Science/Pharmaceutical Chemistry/Biotechnology/Chemical/Biomedical Engineering)

Tools

Lab equipment operation

Job description

At Bristol Myers Squibb, our employees often ask, \"Who are you working for?\"-a question that fuels collaboration, accountability, and urgency in our work. Our purpose-driven culture inspires us to discover, develop, and deliver innovative medicines to prevail over serious diseases. We offer uniquely interesting and meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and a supportive environment that values inclusion, wellbeing, flexibility, and comprehensive benefits. This is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it.

Drug Product Development works with colleagues throughout the entire pharmaceutical development process, from discovery to commercial launch and beyond, to deliver drug products of biologics and small molecules, including sterile formulations and novel drug delivery technologies. We are looking for candidates who are proven team players; appreciate the challenge of pursuing unique scientific discovery in an emerging field; and who demonstrate solid operational, interpersonal, project management and collaborative skills. We believe this starts with our summer intern program.

Summer interns will work with mentors for ~10 weeks on a guided research project related to sterile formulation development and novel drug delivery technologies for both biologics and small molecules, spanning liquid, lyophilized, and other advanced delivery platforms. This position integrates wet-lab and dry-lab functions: interns will conduct feasibility experiments with formulation and processing technologies, supporting formulation development, formulation screening, stability assessment, physicochemical and biophysical characterization of critical quality attributes, and process optimization. The project may also involve biopharmaceutical investigation of biologics, exploring structure-function relationships, degradation pathways, and stability-indicating strategies to inform formulation design and enable robust, patient-friendly drug products. The program is organized to ensure that interns gain valuable industry and functional experience, work on challenging assignments, learn about BMS and meet diverse company representatives.

The program will feature:

• An orientation, including an overview of company structure, products and brands
• An introduction to the GPS and PD organizations
• Exposure to senior management and business leaders
• Hands-on training and working experiences in pharmaceutical manufacturing process areas and testing laboratories
• Formal presentation at the end of your internship
• A mentor program
• Formal review and feedback sessions

Program Dates: Monday June 7, 2027 - Friday, August 13, 2027. Applications are currently being accepted and may be selected on a rolling basis. Those selected will be notified no later than February 2027.

Position is in New Brunswick, NJ.

Requirements:

• Candidates must be currently enrolled in an accredited university program seeking a PhD degree in Pharmaceutical Science, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical or Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Candidates are expected to graduate between Fall 2027 and 2028.
• Must include GPA on resume for consideration (program requires GPA of 3.0 or greater).
• All candidates must be authorized to work in the US both at the time of hire and for the duration of their employment. Please note that immigration or visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Must have strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills and be able to work in a team environment.
• Ability to solve problems independently with minimal supervision.
• Hands-on lab experience is expected.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of pharmaceutical science, physical pharmacy, chemistry, stability, and/or biochemistry is required.
• Prior experience with formulation development, formulation characterization, and novel drug delivery technologies (e.g., LNPs, polymer-based microparticles, ultra-high concentration protein formulations) is preferred; prior drug product development research experience is a plus.

We hire for skills and capabilities, not just credentials - if this role excites you, but doesn't perfectly match your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway.

Compensation Overview:

$45/hour

Pay for this internship/co‑op position is provided in accordance with local market practices and applicable laws. Pay may be offered as an hourly rate and/or monthly stipend, or other locally compliant structure. Pay is determined based on objective factors such as academic level, relevant experience, skills, and work location.

Interns and co‑op participants may be eligible for limited benefits depending on program structure, work location, and local requirements. Eligibility and offerings are governed by applicable policies and employment regulations.

This is a temporary, time‑bound position intended for the duration of the internship or co‑op program and does not guarantee continued or permanent em