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 this opportunity to gain professional experience in a 12‑week fellowship program. About the Fellowship 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 globally, with the mission “to discover, develop and provide innovative products and services that save and improve lives around the world”. At its core, MRL is a science‑driven R&D organization focused on the discovery, development, and delivery of innovative medicines and vaccines. Our Research Scientists are our inventors. Using innovative thinking, state‑of‑the‑art facilities and robust scientific methodology, we collaborate to discover the next medical breakthrough. 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 Analytical R&D Intern is a laboratory‑based scientific role tasked with solving complex analytical problems at the interface of biology, chemistry, and lab informatics disciplines to enable development of vaccine‑supporting process development, formulation development, vaccine investigations and method lifecycle management. In this role, the individual will work with a team of scientists to develop state‑of‑the‑art analytical techniques, such as separations of small molecules, polymers, proteins, conjugates, and nanoparticles to evaluate formulations and perform solubility studies using chromatographic (HPLC and CE) as well as spectroscopic techniques (UV‑VIS, IR, Fluorescence, and NMR), immunoassay, and classical chemistry techniques. The individual should also have knowledge of these chemical and analytical techniques. Lab automation / informatics is considered a plus. The successful candidate must be able to collaborate and perform work at a high level in a fast‑paced, integrated, multidisciplinary team environment. Applicants must have effective organizational, multi‑tasking, oral/written communications skills, show scientific leadership and integrity, good documentation practices and a desire to conduct research and publish. Evidence of strong cross‑functional collaboration is also preferred. 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. This role offers hands‑on experience in pharmaceutical analytical development, experimental execution, data analysis, and scientific documentation within a collaborative laboratory environment. 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. We welcome applicants with military experience and value leadership, discipline, teamwork, and mission‑driven execution. Candidates with experience in regulated, technical, operational, or laboratory‑adjacent environments are encouraged to apply. 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 is intended to provide meaningful exposure to Analytical R&D in a pharmaceutical setting, networking opportunities, 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 Following SOPs / technical procedures History of documentation accuracy Cross‑functional teamwork 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. In addition, 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, and statistical or data visualization tools is not required, but advantageous. Primary Work Site / Schedule On‑site work locations: West Point, PA Monday‑Thursday (Core hours: 9:00 am – 4:40 pm, flexible start and stop) US and Puerto Rico Residents Only Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process. Requirements As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. This is an unpaid, 12‑week training fellowship hosted by our company, aligned with DoD SkillBridge guidelines. This is not an offer of employment. This opportunity is exclusively for active participants in the Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) Corporate Fellowship Program. San Francisco Residents Only We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Los Angeles Residents Only We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck