Analytical R&D Fellowship - Formulation and Solubility Studies (Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellow)

Job Requirements We are honored to be a sponsor of Hiring Our Heroes and proud to offer transitioning service members an opportunity to gain professional experience in a 12‑week fellowship program. This posting is for the Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship 2026 – Cohort 3. Candidates must be transitioning service member fellows who will complete the program within the last 180 days of transition from military service. The fellowship will be 12 weeks long. Overview Our Research Laboratories (MRL) is a global research organization with over 6,000 employees worldwide. Its mission is to discover, develop and provide innovative products and services that save and improve lives around the world. MRL is a science‑driven R&D organization focused on the discovery, development, and delivery of innovative medicines and vaccines. The Vaccine Analytical Research & Development department of our Research & Development Division is seeking applicants for an Analytical R&D Intern position at its West Point, Pennsylvania research facility. The role is laboratory‑based and tasked with solving complex analytical problems at the interface of biology, chemistry, and lab informatics disciplines to enable vaccine supporting process development, formulation development, vaccine investigations and method lifecycle management. Your Fellowship Project We are seeking a highly motivated individual for a 12‑week fellowship opportunity to support formulation and analytical development activities for a project focused on the solubility of oleic acid in vaccine/large‑molecule formulations. The fellow will work closely with the mentor (Program Leader) and scientists to generate data that informs formulation risk assessment, stability understanding and development decisions. Key Responsibilities Support the design and execution of laboratory studies evaluating oleic acid solubility in representative formulation matrices. Prepare buffers, reagents, and sample solutions according to approved procedures and study plans. Assist with sample preparation and execution of analytical testing using chromatographic and related analytical techniques. Document experimental work clearly and accurately in laboratory notebooks and data files. Compile, organize, and analyze experimental data to support trending, formulation effects, and identification of risk thresholds. Contribute to preparation of technical summaries, presentations, and study reports. Collaborate with Analytical R&D scientists to troubleshoot experiments, interpret results, and refine study plans. Maintain laboratory organization, inventory, and adherence to safety and quality requirements. Participate in team meetings and share progress updates on experimental activities and findings. Benefits of Fellowship By the end of the internship, the candidate is expected to have contributed to the generation of high‑quality experimental data, supported interpretation of formulation‑specific solubility behavior, and helped build technical documentation that informs project decisions. The role provides meaningful exposure to Analytical R&D in a pharmaceutical setting, networking opportunities, and presentations to diverse audiences while developing practical laboratory, analytical, and scientific skills. Experience / Skills We Are Looking For A bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline. Strong interest in pharmaceutical development, analytical chemistry, and formulation science. Foundational laboratory experience in solution preparation, dilutions, sample handling and data recording. Working knowledge of common analytical techniques such as HPLC, NMR, UV or related methods is preferred. Experience operating in structured, regulated environments. Familiarity with SOPs and technical procedures. Accurate documentation skills. Cross‑functional teamwork experience. Problem‑solving under pressure. Equipment operation and troubleshooting. Mission focus, adaptability, and accountability. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to high‑quality documentation. Ability to analyze data, draw conclusions, and communicate findings effectively in written and verbal formats. Previous coursework or laboratory exposure in analytical method development, formulation development, physical chemistry, stability studies, or pharmaceutical analysis is beneficial. Familiarity with regulated laboratory practices, electronic laboratory notebooks, or statistical and data‑visualization tools is not required but advantageous. Primary Work Site / Schedule On‑site work location: West Point, PA. Monday‑Thursday (core hours 9:00 am‑4:40 pm, flexible start and stop). Equal Employment Opportunity Our company is committed to inclusion and provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or other legally protected characteristics is prohibited. As a federal contractor we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Other Eligibility Information This is an unpaid, 12‑week training fellowship hosted by our company, aligned with DoD SkillBridge guidelines. This opportunity is exclusively for active participants in the Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program. The program is not an offer of employment. Local Resident Exceptions San Francisco residents: candidates with arrest and conviction records will be considered in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Los Angeles residents: all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, will be considered in accordance with applicable state and local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck & Co.