Biologics Formulation Intern

Zoetis; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoetis in Kalamazoo, MI is seeking a Biologics Formulations Summer Intern to develop a rapid, non-destructive NIR moisture method for lyophilized drugs as a PAT tool. The project runs 10–12 weeks and combines hands-on formulation work with data-driven chemometrics like PLS to link spectra to KF moisture data.

You will work with a team to analyze samples across moisture levels, document results, and contribute to reports and posters supporting future PAT implementation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical/Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• Laboratory experience with recording data and operating lab equipment.
• Interest in Lyophilization, PAT, spectroscopy (NIR/IR), and analytical methods.
• Comfortable with data (e.g., Excel, JMP).
• Detail-oriented, structured, and able to document experimental work.
• Effective communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Familiarize and operate freeze-drying/lyophilization equipment and prepare formulations across a range of moisture-content targets.
• Perform Karl Fischer (KF) titration and acquire Near-Infrared (NIR) spectra using established procedures.
• Develop, optimize, and evaluate chemometric models (e.g., PLS) to correlate NIR with KF moisture measurements.
• Process and analyze experimental data, assess model performance, and support method optimization.
• Document findings and contribute to technical reports and posters/presentations for PAT implementation.

Skills

Lab experience

Lyophilization

NIR spectroscopy

PAT

Analytical methods

Communication skills

Documentation

Data handling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences / Analytical Chemistry / Chemical/Biomedical Engineering

Tools

Excel

JMP

Job description

Role Description

Kalamazoo - Downtown Portage Street. We are seeking a talented Biologics Formulations Summer Intern to join our team and contribute to the development of a robust moisture-prediction model for lyophilized drug products. In this role, you will support formulation development and data-driven research efforts aimed at improving the stability, quality, and performance of lyophilized pharmaceuticals.

Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan

Internship Summary

This 10–12-week internship will focus on developing a rapid, non-destructive Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy method to measure moisture content in lyophilized drug products as a Process Analytical Technology (PAT) tool. The intern will prepare samples across a range of moisture levels, collect paired Karl Fischer (KF) and NIR data, and develop and evaluate a chemometric model, such as partial least squares (PLS) regression. The project aims to enable faster, more efficient moisture analysis and support the future implementation of 100% vial testing and improved lyophilization process development.

Internship Job Duties

• Familiarize and operate freeze-drying/lyophilization equipment and prepare formulations across a defined range of 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, document findings, and contribute to technical reports and posters/presentations and analytical-method documentation supporting future PAT implementation.

Internship Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical/Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience working in a laboratory setting, operating laboratory equipment, recording data.
• Interested in learning Lyophilization techniques, PAT, spectroscopy (NIR/IR), and/or analytical methods.
• Comfortable working with data (e.g. Excel, JMP, or similar).
• Detail-oriented, structured, and able to document experimental work.
• Effective communication skills.

Pay and Compensation

Base Pay (General)

• If the selected candidate is a student pursuing an Associate-level degree: $16.00 per hour
• If the selected candidate is a student pursuing an Undergraduate-level degree: $22.00 per hour
• If the selected candidate is a student pursing a Graduate-level degree: $32.50 per hour
• If the selected candidate is a student pursuing a Doctorate-level degree: $36.00 per hour

Base Pay for Selected Candidates in Specific States

• Student pursuing an Associate-level degree: $17.00 per hour
• Student pursuing an Undergraduate-level degree: $24.20 per hour
• Student pursing a Graduate-level degree: $36.40 per hour
• Student pursuing a Doctorate-level degree: $40.30 per hour

Zoetis is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

At Zoetis, our purpose is to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. As a Fortune 500 company and the world leader in animal health, we discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize vaccines, medicines, diagnostics and other technologies for companion animals and livestock.

We know our people drive our success. Our award-winning culture, built around our Core Beliefs, focuses on our colleagues’ careers, connection and support.

We offer competitive healthcare and retirement savings benefits, along with an array of benefits, policies and programs to support employee well-being in every sense, from health and financial wellness to family and lifestyle resources.