Formulation Development Co-Op (Spring/Summer 2027)

Location: Pittsburgh Department: Internships Employment Type: FullTime

Panther: Better Health Is Skin Deep Panther is unlocking the tremendous biological power of our skin, delivering efficacious, shelf-stable treatments directly to customers. Panther's precisely engineered smart microarray patches (SmartPatches) address a wide range of needs in Skin Health (cosmetics, medical aesthetics) and are designed to treat conditions in Systemic Health (infectious diseases, allergies, cancer, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders). Billions of people around the world lack access to effective treatment, and we will change this.

SmartPatches enable effective, tech-enabled customer experiences, and our AI platform provides valuable insights for improved patient outcomes and the development of even better treatments. SmartPatches are affordable to manufacture and distribute, and easy to apply, resulting in greater access and market expansion. Panther is developing clinically validated products, the first of which launches in 2027.

The OpportunityThis is a 6-month co-op that begins in January 2027, with the option to extend through the summer.

The Formulation Co-Op will iterate on formulations for our SmartPatches, with a focus on process standardization and record keeping that accelerate our algorithmic formulation development. Collaborating closely with the Formulation, Process Development and Device teams and our algorithmic development team, you will help build the data foundation that makes faster, smarter formulation possible.

This is a hands-on wet-lab role with real ownership. You will mix and test formulations, characterize past formulations in a standardized format that feeds our internal frontier model, and use that model to iterate quickly on new formulations and active ingredients. We are looking for a motivated self-starter who is comfortable using frontier AI models to accelerate scientific research.

The Impact You’ll Make in Your Co-Op

Standardized data for past formulations, filling the gaps that power algorithmic formulation.

Fast iteration on new formulations, including whether they can be formulated into a MAP, strength testing and the start of stability testing.

Strong, consistent records for all formulation testing, documented so the team can build on them.

What You Will Do

Mix and Test Formulations

Prepare buffers and formulations independently, using an analytical balance and precision pipetting.

Run initial testing on new formulations, including MAP strength testing and initiating stability studies.

Run dissolution and penetration analysis on formulations, including sample prep where needed.

Iterate on formulations using a range of polymer matrices and active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Standardize Formulation Data

Learn our SOPs and use them to characterize past formulations with our Algorithmic Formulation Template.

Fill gaps in our standardized formulation data so it can feed our internal frontier model.

Keep a complete, accurate laboratory notebook and records for every experiment.

Accelerate Algorithmic Formulation

Test how well algorithmic formulation speeds up formulation development in the lab.

Help improve our algorithmic formulation workflow, or use it to formulate new active pharmaceutical ingredients into SmartPatches.

Find ways to automate note taking and record keeping.

Analyze and Share Results

Analyze results, identify trends and recommend next experiments.

Share findings with the Formulation, Process Development, Device and algorithmic development teams.

Qualifications

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in Chemistry, Biology, Chemical or Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field, and eligible for a co-op term.

Hands-on wet laboratory experience, including precision pipetting and independently preparing buffers and formulations using a balance.

Experience designing and running experiments with proper controls.

Highly organized note taking and disciplined laboratory notebook documentation.

Solid general chemistry and biology knowledge.

Experience using AI models to assist in research.

Comfort with Microsoft Office and Google Drive, or the ability to pick them up quickly.

A hard-working self-starter who is calm under pressure, excited to learn, personable and respectful, and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Experience with hyaluronic acid-based formulations, hydrogels or microneedle arrays, training AI models for research, or automating note taking and record keeping is a plus.

What we offer

Build something unique and high-impact with a world-class team of experts in technology, healthcare, and science.

Hands-on ownership of real formulation work that goes into Panther’s products.

Close mentorship from our Formulation team and exposure to Process Development, Device and algorithmic development work.

Experience applying frontier AI models to formulation science at an early-stage biotech.

A small, collaborative team where your work is seen and your ideas are heard.

In-person company events

Fully stocked kitchen, plus in-office lunch twice a week

Equal Opportunity Employer

Panther Life Sciences is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or partnership status, age, national origin, citizenship, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, or any other characteristic protected by law.