Summer Intern, Medical Devices and Health Technologies (MDHT)

The Formulation Technologies team optimizes, adapts, tests, and validates emerging concepts, technologies, and product formats that optimize vaccine and pharmaceutical efficacy, stability, safety, and ease of use.

Working alongside PATH scientists, the intern will support laboratory-scale mRNA/LNP testing and stabilization, including the application of spray drying technology. Additionally, they will perform in vitro permeation studies to screen excipients and evaluate mucosal delivery formulations

The intern will develop technical skills in mRNA/LNP preparation, characterization, and stabilization. Additionally, they will learn to design and execute in vitro assays to drive formulation optimization.

The intern will gain hands-on experience in laboratory operations, including executing experiments, recording and analyzing data, and presenting research findings. Key technical competencies will focus on the production, characterization, and stabilization of lipid nanoparticles using techniques such as Spray drying, lyophilization, SDS-PAGE, Nanodrop, Ribogreen, HPLC, Agarose gel electrophoresis, and fluorescence spectroscopy, alongside conducting in vitro assay studies

Proposed activities for the internship

• Conduct laboratory experiments to directly accelerate the development of novel vaccine formulations.
• Assist in the precision preparation, characterization, and stabilization of mRNA lipid nanoparticles (LNPs).
• Execute mRNA/LNP analytical assays utilizing Nanodrop, RiboGreen, HPLC, agarose gel electrophoresis, and fluorescence spectroscopy.
• Perform in vitro assays to evaluate candidate formulation permeation and mucosal properties.
• Document detailed experimental methodologies, reagent lots, and raw results within an electronic laboratory notebook (ELN).
• Analyze and present data trends to the cross-functional team at regular intervals and formal meetings.

Description of skills and experience the intern should have

• An undergraduate student with 0-2 years of wet lab experience rooted in basic biology and chemistry concepts.
• The ideal candidate possesses hands-on skills in basic analytical testing, aseptic techniques, and the preparation of reagents, mixed solutions, and buffers.
• This role requires a self-motivated, proactive, and detail-oriented individual who can work independently, maintain meticulous notebook documentation of experimental designs, and remain flexible in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and excellent communication skills are essential; previous experience working in a BSL-2 lab is a strong plus.