Purification Process Sciences - Steric Exclusion Chromatography Summer Intern

We are seeking junior students majoring in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering or a related field for a 12-Week Student Intern role to be working in Gaithersburg, MD for a May 19th - August 8th contract period.

Position Duties:

• Perform trainings for laboratory techniques. Confirm quality of in-lab testing for characterization of experiments.

• Perform current pDNA purification method. Characterize experiment and establish baseline process performance and product quality metrics.

• Perform chromatography experiments on commercially available hydrophilic stationary phases and custom 3D printed monoliths using mutual steric exclusion of PEG (a method similar to conventional PEG precipitation). 

• Document experimental workflow, characterize product SC pDNA purity, step recovery, column capacity, processing productivity, and processing time. Evaluate removal of impurities.

• Create a pDNA purification method describing lysis to formulation. Evaluate the newly developed method by comparing process performance and product quality metrics of the new and old methods. Present findings in a professional setting.

Position Requirements:

• Undergraduate junior students majoring in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering or a related field.

• Candidates must have an expected graduation date after August 2025.

• Wet lab skills such as pipetting, knowledge of buffer preparation and a basic understanding chromatographic techniques are a plus.

• Applicants who are self-motivated and passionate about science are preferred.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook required.

• Enthusiasm for collaboration, cross-functional projects, public speaking, and presentation design.

• US Work Authorization is required at time of application.

• This role will not be providing CPT/OPT support.

• Ability to report onsite to Gaithersburg, MD for 4-5 days a week. This role will not provide relocation assistance.

• Minimum grade point average of 3.0

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.