Intern - Bachelor or Master Biology - Analytical Technical Solutions

Job Description

We are looking for a motivated Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Master of Science (MSc) student who wants to experience what it is like to be part of a large multinational company in the pharmaceutical industry. We offer an internship opportunity within our Large Molecules Analytical Technical Solutions (ATS-bio) department, where you will have the freedom and space for your own initiative.

Welcome to our team

The ATS-Bio EU/APAC department is an essential hub in our organization. This department focuses on helping other departments optimize biological laboratory assays in order to determine the safety and efficacy of our vaccines. The team consists of 28 employees divided into several sub-teams, each with its own focus and expertise. Team members have extensive knowledge and experience in antibody generation and downstream processing (DSP) of monoclonal and recombinant antibodies, introduction of new laboratory assay techniques, and assay development, optimization, validation, transfer, and troubleshooting. The team works closely with other departments within the company to achieve its goals.

Your internship assignment

As an intern, you will be responsible for developing a method to assess the effectiveness and quality of biological critical reagents (BCR; e.g. labeled monoclonal antibodies and AlphaLISA and magnetic beads) used in quality control tests (Luminex, ELISA, AlphaLISA) for the release testing of vaccines produced at Animal Health. In parallel, you will support efforts to improve the quality and consistency between lots of these BCRs using this method and/or by improving monoclonal antibody DSP processes. To accomplish this, you will use kinetic binding evaluations using interferometry (Octet), a label-free, real-time biomolecular analysis platform, and perform related laboratory assays. You will spend the majority of your time at the bench executing experiments, analyzing results, and documenting data.

Your responsibilities

• After onboarding and refinement of the internship objectives, you will work with a high degree of independence.
• You will perform experiments from start to finish, including data analysis and documentation in our electronic laboratory notebook, with a focus on assay component optimisation, stability, and troubleshooting. The laboratory techniques you perform include ELISA, AlphaLISA and Luminex assay, SDS-PAGE, interferometry, gel filtration, and affinity purification.
• You will interact with the ATS-bio and Quality Control departments to assist with component optimization for laboratory assay.
• You will discuss progress on a weekly basis, and as needed, with your supervisor and give a final presentation to the department at the end of your internship.
• You will contribute to the department by bringing a fresh perspective and sharing your opinion.

The described tasks form the basic package and will often be performed independently after proper training and a learning period. These tasks may be supplemented with other projects and/or tasks on your own initiative or at the request of the organization.

What is required

• You are studying for, pursuing, or have a BSc or MSc in Cell Biology, Medical Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• You value our company goals, code of conduct, safety, and way of working.
• You are familiar with immunological and biochemical techniques, preferably also molecular biology and cell biology.
• You are motivated to work on assay optimisation, show a professional attitude, and are eager to learn new techniques in a dynamic and complex work environment.
• You are fluent in English; Dutch is a plus.
• You are available for a period of at least 6 months.

What we offer

Interning at our company means working together with your team towards health in an international work environment. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to work closely with experts and learn from them. In addition, we offer:

• The chance to gain experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
• An opportunity to showcase yourself for potential opportunities after your internship period.
• A challenging and dynamic work environment with plenty of room for personal development and initiative.
• Good guidance from an experienced specialist.
• A gross monthly internship allowance of €500, based on a 40-hour workweek.

Animal Health Division

Our Animal Health Division is a trusted global leader in animal healthcare. We are committed to preserving and improving the health, well-being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. As a global team of professionals, we work together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world's food chain. We also have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society, and our planet.

Required Skills

Analytical Problem Solving, Assay Development, Biochemistry, Clinical Research, Conducting Experiments, Data Analytics, Database Management, Data Entry, Data Visualization, Document Management, Experimental Methods, Global Supply Chain, Health Economics, Immunochemistry, Interferometry, Laboratory Documentation, Laboratory Techniques, Molecular Biology, Office Applications, Physiology, Process Improvements, Project Management, Quality Improvement, Reporting and Analysis