Intern -Vaccine Innovation

Zoetis; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

Zoetis is seeking a motivated summer intern to evaluate liposomal formulations within the Global Biologics group. You will gain hands-on experience with molecular assays, in vitro cell assays, and in vivo mouse and target animal models under seasoned scientists. The role offers exposure to pharmaceutical formulation and veterinary medicine and collaborative mentorship.

The internship emphasizes teamwork, cross-disciplinary training, and impactful, real-world research in animal health.

Qualifications

• Strong STEM foundation in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry or related fields.
• Experience with tissue culture and cell line manipulation.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Experience with PCR/RT-qPCR, DNA/RNA isolation and in vitro transcription.
• Knowledge of RNA expression control and molecular design.
• Protein analysis skills (SDS-PAGE, Western blot) a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, characterize, and evaluate novel liposomal delivery systems with the team.
• Use molecular assays to characterize nucleic acids and proteins.
• Maintain cell cultures and conduct in vitro cell assays.
• Assist cross-disciplinary work in formulation, purification, and experimental design.
• Collaborate to design experiments, analyze data, and prepare reports.
• Support ongoing vaccine team projects as needed.

Skills

Biology

Molecular biology

Cell culture

Data analysis

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Biology or related STEM degree

Tools

PCR/RT-qPCR

SDS-PAGE/Western blot

Nucleic acid isolation

Cell culture techniques

Job description

Zoetis is a leader in the field of animal health, biotechnology, and vaccine development. We are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of animals through innovative research and development of veterinary products. The interdisciplinary vaccine team within the Global Biologics group is seeking a motivated summer intern to evaluate and tailor liposomal formulations. The intern will gain hands‑on experience with molecular assays, in‑vitro cell assays, and in‑vivo mouse and target animal models, gain exposure to pharmaceutical formulation and veterinary medicine, and the opportunity to contribute to impactful, real‑world research - all under the mentorship of experienced scientists.

Internship Job Duties:

• Communicate and coordinate within a team to design, characterize, and evaluate novel liposomal delivery systems
• Utilize molecular assays to characterize nucleic acid and protein moieties
• Maintain cell cultures and conduct in‑vitro cell assays
• Assist team members with cross-disciplinary work - formulation, purification, experimental design, etc
• Collaborate with team members to design experiments, analyze data, and prepare reports
• Support the interdisciplinary vaccine team with ongoing projects as needed

Internship Qualifications:

• Strong STEM foundation - Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related fields
• Experience in tissue culture and cell line manipulation
• Excellent self-motivation and the ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative team environment.
• Experience with PCR/RT-qPCR, DNA/RNA isolation and in vitro transcription.
• Knowledge of RNA expression control and molecular design
• SDS-PAGE, western blot and similar protein skills a plus

The following hourly pay rates reflect the anticipated base pay for this position:

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

The following hourly pay rates reflect the anticipated base pay for this position if a selected candidate were to be located in California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois (Chicago area), Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Washington (Seattle area):

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

About Zoetis

At Zoetis, our purpose is to nurture the 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.