Co-op, Oral Formulation Development

About the Role:

This application is for a 6-month student role from July - December 2026. Resume review begins in January 2026.

We are seeking a motivated co-op to join our Small Molecule Formulation Development team. This position offers hands-on experience in advanced drug delivery technologies aimed at improving oral bioavailability. The co-op will contribute to a project that integrates amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) and lipid-based excipients within an immediate-release (IR) tablet and/or capsule platform.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in solid dispersion and lipid-based formulations, along with an understanding of characterization method development and the principles of equipment operation used in pharmaceutical manufacturing. You will gain hands-on experience using material‑sparing tools (e.g., compaction simulators, rapid thermal/solid-state screens) to establish meaningful relationships between material properties and product performance, supporting data-driven formulation decisions. This position also enables the Co-op to build connections with industry peers and leaders, expanding professional networks and gaining real-world insight into drug development.

What You'll Do:

• As a Co-op you will support formulation and process development activities for oral solid dosage forms, focusing on evaluating formulation strategies for enhancing drug solubility and performance.

• The work will include designing and executing laboratory studies involving polymer-based amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) with incorporation of lipid-based excipients. Day-to-day activities will include preparing small-scale formulations, performing key unit operations such as blending, granulation, tableting, and basic process troubleshooting.

• Characterization of intermediate and final products will include solid-state, dissolution, and physicochemical assessments using standard analytical and material characterization techniques.

• You will summarize results, interpret data trends, and present findings to a multidisciplinary team.

• This includes screening different lipids, their loads and strategic ways to incorporate them in the solid dosage form

• You have a solid understanding of unit operations relevant to solid dosage manufacturing (e.g., blending, compaction, drying, milling, and extrusion) and familiarity with characterization tools such as DSC, XRPD, TGA, FTIR, particle size analysis, and dissolution testing.

• You are detail-oriented, scientifically curious, and comfortable working in a lab environment, applying critical thinking to connect material properties, process parameters, and product performance.

• Experience with polymer-lipid systems, amorphous dispersions with understanding of biopharmaceutics will be considered an advantage.

• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.

• At least 18 years of age prior to the scheduled start date.

• Currently enrolled in an accredited community college, college, university or skills program/apprenticeship.

• Degree level(s): Currently pursuing a master's or PhD degree

• Preferred majors/programs: Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related field.

• Company paid holidays
• Commuter benefits
• Employee Resource Groups participation
• 80 hours of sick time per calendar year