Automated Process Development Co-op Synthetic Process Development at Alexion in New Haven, Connecticut

Job Description:

This is what you will do:



Alexion's Product Development and Clinical Supply (PDCS) organization is seeking a rising college sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student working towards a degree in chemical engineering, organic chemistry or equivalent discipline for a 6-month co-op program with the Synthetic Product Development (SPD) Team.


This cross-functional team consists of scientific and technical professionals tasked to deliver process and product development and analytical solutions for synthetic drug substances and oral solid dosage drug products within Alexion's portfolio, spanning preclinical development through commercial launch.


You will learn and apply skills related to the development of synthetic chemical processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients, and the relevant equipment and technologies to enable automated execution of work packages and improve throughput and robustness of the workflows.



You will be responsible for:



Working with scientists and engineers to introduce the capability of automated chemical process characterization in the new 101 College Street labs, specifically the "miniplant" in Lab 1006, where modular equipment skids are configurable as needed to allow flexible, automated execution and characterization of synthetic chemical manufacturing processes, including continuous and batch manufacturing processes.


Activities may include:

• Configure miniplant equipment to enable execution of a model unit operation (such as a continuous reaction in a flow reactor) with online HPLC sampling/other PAT (process analytical technology) for in situ process monitoring;


• Preliminarily characterize the equipment configuration as needed, for example, estimate the residence time distribution by carrying out tracer experiments, etc.


• Set up automated workflows to enable execution of a series of experiments based on prescribed process parameters and collation of experimental data from multiple sources, such as hardware control system, analytical instruments, etc;


• Document learnings gained and create comprehensive job aids and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide and support the staff working in the laboratory.


• Utilize advanced technical skills to tackle complex scientific problems using innovative instrumentation and new technologies.


• Effectively communicate scientific challenges and the technical approaches used to address them in regular updates and a final presentation summarizing progress and learnings


• Working with SPD's PAT/automation scientist to build capability towards self-driven optimization (e.g Bayesian optimization), specifically around connectivity between equipment control software and the optimization algorithm

Requirements:

• Educational Background: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's program in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field, with at minimum completion of the freshman year.


• Technical Skills: Basic understanding of chemical processes and laboratory practices. Prior lab experience is a plus.


• Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to think critically about experimental design and data interpretation.


• Communication Skills: Effective written and verbal communication skills. Ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.


• Teamwork and Collaboration: Willingness to work collaboratively in a team environment and contribute to team goals.


• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to new challenges and a fast-paced working environment.


• Initiative: Self-motivated with a strong desire to learn and contribute.


• Availability: Must be available during the full 6-month term and maintain general availability during standard business hours.

• Preferred but not required experience:
  
  
  • Prior wet bench experience in synthetic organic chemistry, specifically handling chemicals, solvents, and other hazardous materials in a safe manner
  
  
  • Experience with laboratory robotics or automation
  
  
  • Experience coding with Python or C#
  
  
  
  

Appendix: Physical and Mental Requirements

• The duties of this role are generally conducted in both an office and laboratory environment.
  
  
  • As is typical of an office-based role, you must be able, with or without an accommodation to: use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; engage in problem solving and non-linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours.
  
  
  • The duties of this role are also conducted in an lab environment. As is typical of a lab-based role, employees must be able, with or without an accommodation to: lift/carry 15/30 pounds unassisted/assisted; work comfortably in a controlled environment with and around biological, infectious, and hazardous materials; gown/degown PPE; use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; engage in problem solving and non-linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours.
  
  
  
  

Date Posted

23-Sep-2024



Closing Date

06-Oct-2024Alexion is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging where every single person can belong because of their uniqueness. The Company will not make decisions about employment, training, compensation, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment based on race, color, religion, creed or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, marital status, pregnancy, (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), parental status (including adoption or surrogacy), military status, protected veteran status, disability, medical condition, gender identity or expression, genetic information, mental illness or other characteristics protected by law. Alexion provides reasonable accommodations to meet the needs of candidates and employees. To begin an interactive dialogue with Alexion regarding an accommodation, please contact accommodations@Alexion.com. Alexion participates in E-Verify.


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