Summer 2027 Pharmaceutical Development Summer Intern PhD
AstraZeneca
Summary
Alexion is seeking a Pharmaceutical Development Summer Intern to support Synthetic Product Development within the Product Development and Clinical Supply organization at its New Haven, Connecticut location. This lab-based PhD intern will assess the impact of drug substance crystallization process conditions on phase behavior, plan and conduct experiments to support enabling formulation evaluations, and communicate findings through technical reports and presentations. This role supports talent pipelining, with the goal of identifying and training talent for future full-time positions.
Job description
Responsibilities
- Assess the impact of drug substance (DS) crystallization process conditions on phase behavior.
- Plan and conduct laboratory experiments to support enabling formulation evaluations.
- Prepare and evaluate formulations using appropriate laboratory techniques and development approaches.
- Analyze experimental results, identify key trends, and contribute to recommendations for further development.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and communicate findings through technical reports and presentations.
Required Qualifications
- Currently pursuing a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
- Meeting the applicable graduation timeline requirements with an anticipated graduation date set for after August 2027.
- US Work Authorization is required at time of application. Applicants must have work authorization that does not require future sponsorship.
- This role will not be granting OPT support.
- Technical foundation: understanding of pharmaceutical formulation, crystallization process development, physical chemistry, or related scientific principles.
- Laboratory skills: ability to plan and safely execute experiments using standard laboratory equipment and established procedures.
- Scientific thinking: strong problem-solving skills and the ability to critically evaluate experimental design, results, and conclusions.
- Communication skills: effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present scientific information clearly and concisely.
- Teamwork and collaboration: willingness to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team and contribute to shared goals.
- Adaptability and initiative: self-motivated, curious, and able to learn new formulation and development approaches in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to report on site to New Haven, CT 5 days per week. This role will not provide relocation assistance.
- Program Dates: June 7th - August 13th, 2027
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience with formulation development, crystallization development, or pharmaceutical laboratory research.
- Familiarity with the preparation and evaluation of pharmaceutical formulations.
- Experience analyzing and interpreting experimental data to support product development.
- Familiarity with data analysis software, statistical tools, or experimental design.
Requirements
- Currently pursuing a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline
- Anticipated graduation date after August 2027
- US Work Authorization required at time of application; no future sponsorship
- No OPT support provided
- Understanding of pharmaceutical formulation, crystallization process development, physical chemistry, or related scientific principles
- Ability to plan and safely execute laboratory experiments using standard equipment and procedures
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to critically evaluate experimental design, results, and conclusions
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Willingness to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
- Self-motivated, curious, and able to learn new approaches in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to report on site to New Haven, CT 5 days per week; no relocation assistance
Company overview
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused pharmaceutical company dedicated to accelerating the delivery of life-changing medicines that create enduring value for patients, society, and shareholders. With a workforce of over 94,300 employees worldwide, the company operates across three core therapy areas: Oncology, BioPharmaceuticals (including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, Respiratory & Immunology), and Rare Disease. Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca maintains strategic R&D centers in Cambridge, Gaithersburg (US), Boston (US), Gothenburg (Sweden), Shanghai, and Beijing. The company generated $54.1 billion in total revenue in 2024 and invested $13.6 billion in scientific research and development. AstraZeneca's bold aspiration is to be pioneers in science, lead in disease areas, and transform patient outcomes, with a goal to launch 20 new medicines and achieve $80 billion in total revenue by 2030. The company is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, health equity, and creating an inclusive work environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation.