AI formulation Researcher Co-Op (Spring/Summer 2027) at Panther Life Sciences · LumiJobs

Responsibilities

This is a 6-month co-op that begins in January 2027, with the option to extend through the summer.
Panther is building the delivery platform that lets any partner place its treatment precisely into the skin, and algorithmic formulation is where every product starts. AI models built on Panther’s own data take a partner’s active ingredient, target release profile, SmartPatchTM geometry and regulatory requirements, and generate candidate formulations. They then screen those candidates in silico for solubility, molecular interactions, mechanical strength and shelf stability. Only the strongest move on to physical testing (drug release, toxicity, ex vivo human skin and in vivo models). The result is a clinical formula and a scalable manufacturing process, reached faster than with legacy trial-and-error. Partners get a faster path from molecule to product.
Panther is looking for an AI and machine learning researcher with a strong chemistry foundation who wants to apply computational methods to real formulation and drug delivery problems. You will work directly with the R&D team to build models that help us understand and predict how our formulations, active ingredients and patches behave. This is a hands-on role with real ownership. You will scope problems, choose tools, build models and present results to leadership.
The Impact You’ll Make in Your Co-Op
AI formulation engineers accelerate Panther's formulation work from expert trial-and-error into a repeatable, data-driven pipeline. By the end of year one: a closed loop with measurable gains. By the end of the year at least one partner molecule will reach a clinical-ready formula with fewer lab iterations.The work produces invention disclosures that add to the IP library.
Build machine learning models that predict formulation properties such as stability, solubility, dissolution and compatibility between actives and polymers.
Apply physical chemistry and molecular modeling, including molecular dynamics, to study the molecules we work with: small molecules, peptides, proteins and polymers.
Develop physics-based and generative models of transport, such as how formulations dissolve and diffuse through skin over time.
Work with small, high-quality experimental datasets, using synthetic data generation to augment and anchor real lab data.
Benchmark open-source foundation models and scientific AI tools, and recommend which ones Panther should adopt for R&D and formulation work.
Partner with our formulation and lab teams in Pittsburgh to turn experimental data into models, and models into experiments worth running.
Document your methods and results clearly, and present findings to the CTO and the wider team.

AI formulation Researcher Co-Op (Spring/Summer 2027)

Responsibilities

Qualification

Required

Preferred

Company

Panther Life Sciences

More roles at Panther Life Sciences