Oral Bioavailability Enhancement Co-op, Synthetic Product Development
AstraZeneca

Job Info

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This is what you will do:

Alexion's Product Development and Clinical Supply (PDCS) organization is seeking an undergraduate or master student working towards a degree in pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering or equivalent discipline for a 6 months Co-op during the 1st half of 2025 with the Synthetic Product Development (SPD) Team.

This cross-functional team consists of scientific and technical professionals tasked to deliver process and product development solutions for synthetic drug substances and oral solid dosage drug products within Alexion's portfolio, spanning preclinical development through commercial launch. You will learn and apply skills related to the development and characterization of oral bioavailability enhancement formulations and the equipment and technologies needed for the development.

You will be responsible for:

Working with scientists and engineers to support the development and characterization of oral bioavailability enhancement formulations. Activities may include:

• Engage with the latest laboratory technologies being introduced in our new laboratories at 101 College Street.
• Conduct hands-on development and in vitro characterization of advanced oral bioavailability enhancement formulations (e.g., spray-dried dispersion, oral lipid formulation) to solve oral drug delivery challenges
• Conduct in silico modeling (e.g., Gastroplus) to predict the impact of formulation on oral absorption
• Effectively communicate scientific challenges and the technical approaches used to address them, showcasing strong presentation skills.

Requirements:

• Educational Background: Currently enrolled in a BS/MS program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Technical Skills: Basic understanding of pharmaceutical processes and laboratory practices. Prior lab experience is a plus.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to think critically about experimental design and data interpretation.
• Communication Skills: Effective written and verbal communication skills. Ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Willingness to work collaboratively in a team environment and contribute to team goals.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to new challenges and a fast-paced working environment.
• Initiative: Self-motivated with a strong desire to learn and contribute.
• Availability: Must be available during the full 6 months term and maintain general availability during standard business hours.

• Preferred but not required experience:
  • Experience in spray-dried dispersion and oral lipid formulation
  • Experience in in vitro characterization tools, such as Pion system
  • In-depth understanding of oral absorption and in silico modeling

• The duties of this role are generally conducted in both an office and laboratory environment.
  • As is typical of an office-based role, you must be able, with or without an accommodation to: use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; engage in problem solving and non-linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours.
  • The duties of this role are also conducted in an lab environment. As is typical of a lab-based role, employees must be able, with or without an accommodation to: lift/carry 15/30 pounds unassisted/assisted; work comfortably in a controlled environment with and around biological, infectious, and hazardous materials; gown/de-gown PPE; use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; engage in problem solving and non-linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

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