Job Description
This Co-Op position will be part of the Pharmaceutical Sciences group within the Small Molecule Drug Product Development team at Biogen's Cambridge site. The group plays a pivotal role in formulation development, spanning preclinical through post-approval stages. Using a model-informed strategy, we aim to deepen our understanding of drug bioperformance through integrated in vitro and in silico approaches. Our mission is to develop formulation strategies tailored to the properties and developability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to achieve desired clinical outcomes. This includes identifying risks to API developability and selecting optimal formulations for progression in Biogen's pipeline.
Position Description
Through close collaboration with technical development teams, we evaluate how formulation decisions impact bioavailability using tools like dissolution studies and the Tiny-TIM platform-a biorelevant in vitro gastrointestinal system that mimics real-life conditions (e.g., buffer content, pH, and motility). We utilize innovative technologies, such as the Tiny-TIM platform coupled with mathematical modeling, to accelerate formulation development and enhance the likelihood of success for clinical bioequivalence (BE) studies.
The Co-Op student will gain hands-on experience in pharmaceutical development and acquire skills such as Tiny-TIM data collection, HPLC analysis, and handling basic drug formulations. After completing the required training, the Co-Op student will work closely with Biopharmaceutics scientists to execute key tasks, collect data, and present findings to the team.
We are expanding our Biopharmaceutics capability for efficient and risk-based drug product development. This position is ideally suited for someone interested in biopharmaceutics assessment and formulation development within pharmaceutical development. The candidate will work under cross-functional environment to support high-impact small molecule programs from the preclinical to the commercial stage with an emphasis on rational design, clinical relevance and risk assessment for formulations. The novel and advanced in vitro and in silico tools/technology in our organization will help establish the integrated knowledge to innovate and enhance the probability of success for drug product development.
The role will involve leading experiments on the Tiny-TIM (in-vitro Gastrointestinal dissolution setup) to understand the impact of API properties, formulation/process variables and physiological conditions on the in vivo performance of oral drug products.
Qualifications
- Background in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biopharmaceutics, Pharmaceutics, or related science.
- Strong lab-based knowledge/experience in the design and characterization of drug substance and drug product is highly desirable.
- Strong lab-based knowledge/experience in dissolution via compendial dissolution apparatuses (USP apparatus I-IV) or non-compendial dissolution apparatuses to inform formulation development is highly desirable.
- Experience/knowledge in formulation, pharmacokinetics, absorption modeling, DMPK and physiology are highly desirable
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, strong capabilities in experimental design and execution, as well ability to work independently are essential.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to serve as a team member/leader in an environment where individual initiative, collaboration and accountability are valued.
To participate in the Biogen Internship Program, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Legal authorization to work in the U.S.
- At least 18 years of age prior to the scheduled start date
- Be currently enrolled in an accredited community college, college or university
Education
Ph.D. candidate in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biopharmaceutics or equivalent area.
Additional Information
Why Biogen?
We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.
At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired. Read on to learn more about our DE&I efforts.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Biogen is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.
