Alexion's Product Development and Clinical Supply (PDCS) organization is seeking a rising college sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student working towards a degree in chemical engineering, organic chemistry or equivalent discipline for a 6-month co-op program with the Synthetic Product Development (SPD) Team.
This cross-functional team consists of scientific and technical professionals tasked to deliver process and product development and analytical 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 of synthetic chemical processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients, and the relevant equipment and technologies to enable automated execution of work packages and improve throughput and robustness of the workflows.
You will be responsible for:
Working with scientists and engineers to introduce the capability of automated chemical process characterization in the new 101 College Street labs, specifically the "miniplant" in Lab 1006, where modular equipment skids are configurable as needed to allow flexible, automated execution and characterization of synthetic chemical manufacturing processes, including continuous and batch manufacturing processes.
Activities may include:
Configure miniplant equipment to enable execution of a model unit operation (such as a continuous reaction in a flow reactor) with online HPLC sampling/other PAT (process analytical technology) for in situ process monitoring;
Preliminarily characterize the equipment configuration as needed, for example, estimate the residence time distribution by carrying out tracer experiments, etc.
Set up automated workflows to enable execution of a series of experiments based on prescribed process parameters and collation of experimental data from multiple sources, such as hardware control system, analytical instruments, etc;
Document learnings gained and create comprehensive job aids and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide and support the staff working in the laboratory.
Utilize advanced technical skills to tackle complex scientific problems using innovative instrumentation and new technologies.
Effectively communicate scientific challenges and the technical approaches used to address them in regular updates and a final presentation summarizing progress and learnings
Working with SPD's PAT/automation scientist to build capability towards self-driven optimization (e.g Bayesian optimization), specifically around connectivity between equipment control software and the optimization algorithm
Requirements:
Educational Background: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's program in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field, with at minimum completion of the freshman year.
Technical Skills: Basic understanding of chemical 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-month term and maintain general availability during standard business hours.
Preferred but not required experience:
Prior wet bench experience in synthetic organic chemistry, specifically handling chemicals, solvents, and other hazardous materials in a safe manner
Experience with laboratory robotics or automation
Experience coding with Python or C#
Appendix: Physical and Mental Requirements
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/degown 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.
