Undergrad Co-op - R&D (PKDM/Drug transporters)

Amgen discovers, develops and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new science's promise by bringing safe, effective medicines from lab, to manufacturing plant, to patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people's lives.

The Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism (PKDM) department at our Cambridge, Massachusetts location is seeking an undergraduate student interested in a 6 month co-op placement. The co-op will support the drug transporter team, for a short-term research project which involves establishing techniques and implement to understand the drug transporters as it relates to absorption, distribution, and clearance of therapeutic agents. The co-op will work closely with experienced lab-based scientists to plan and conduct experiments, and analyze and communicate the study results

The intern will be assigned to work with the bioanalytical group to: 1, Gain a general knowledge of bioanalytical workflow 2, Optimize the current sample preparation and LC-MS methods to improve the assay sensitivity 3. Evaluate available software for oligonucleotide metabolite analysis 4. Contribute to a publication on oligonucleotide bioanalysis.This Co-op will primarily focus on working with variety of cell-based assays, i.e., primary hepatocytes, transporter protein overexpressing cell line, 3-D model systems etc, to assess the drug transporter function, i.e. transporter-mediated cellular accumulation or translocation of small molecule therapeutic agents across cell membranes, and integrate the information to predict preclinical/clinical pharmacokinetic parameters. The co-op will identify the technology gaps and optimize the methods in order to improve the in vitro to in vivo prediction.

The Co-op will have opportunities to be trained with variety of techniques including cell culture, assays, sample preparation and sample analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Job responsibilities include:

• Conduct in vitro uptake and binding assays in hepatocytes and over-expressing cells with drug transporter marker substrates
• Develop and optimize methodology to resolve in vitro to in vivo disconnect
• Model the in vitro data to predict in vivo pharmacokinetics and subsequently compare the predictions to the observed findings
• Identify the knowledge gaps and propose solutions to overcome such challenges

Relocation in the form of a miscellaneous allowance will be provided for eligible candidates.

Basic Qualifications

Amgen requires that all individuals applying for an undergraduate internship or an undergraduate co-op assignment at Amgen must meet the following criteria:

18 years or older

Currently enrolled in a full time Bachelor's Degree program from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 minimum GPA or equivalent

Completion of one year of study from an accredited college or university prior to the internship commencing

Enrolled in a full time Bachelor's degree program following the potential internship or co-op assignment with an accredited college or university

Must not be employed at the time the internship starts

Preferred Qualifications

Degree concentration(s) in Life Sciences, biology, bioengineering or related field

Knowledge in cell culture and cell-based assay

Skill with windows office, i.e., word, excel and PowerPoint

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Fast learner, multitasking and time management

Strong written, oral, and analytical skills

Ability to effectively collaborate with others

Only candidates who apply via http://careers.amgen.com/ will be considered. Please search for Keyword 83525.

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Join Us

If you're seeking a career where you can truly make a difference in the lives of others, a career where you can work at the absolute forefront of biotechnology with the top minds in the field, you'll find it at Amgen.

Amgen, a biotechnology pioneer, discovers, develops and delivers innovative human therapeutics. Our medicines have helped millions of patients in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other serious illnesses.

As an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people around the world, Amgen fosters an inclusive environment of diverse, ethical, committed and highly accomplished people who respect each other but compete intensely to win. Together, we live the Amgen values as we continue advancing science to serve patients.

Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.