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What are some companies that develop and/or research pharmaceuticals?

My major is chemical engineering and I want to work with pharmaceuticals. So, I’m currently looking for an intern in that area. The only problem is that most of the companies I know work with materials. What would be some companies that I can look to for internship opportunities for college students that work with pharmaceuticals?
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Patrick’s Answer

There are pharma companies which manufacture their active ingredients (mainly brand companies) along with generic active ingredient manufacturers located in the US (let alone around the world), and they do need chemical engineers to design the processes and equipment trains required for the manufacturing. Pfizer has a large plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan for instance where I worked prior which hires Chem E's. I would search using active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) or drug substance and see which companies come up, depending on the location/country you want to live. Good luck!
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Scott’s Answer

Hi Alice! Chemical Engineering allows you to pursue a wide range of job opportunities, and you must be very smart to be earning the degree. I'm a little confused that you mentioned that you have identified companies that, "work with materials," but none that, "work with pharmaceuticals?"


I'll assume that you mean that the pharma companies don't necessarily do their own chemical engineering for industrial manufacturing their products. This is true for pharma, as well as a number of products commonly referred to in the chemical industry as, "Life Science Products:" insecticides, herbicides, micro-biocides, algaecides, .....well, you get the idea.


Typically these are very complex molecules produced with multistage synthesis that may be done at different chemical manufacturing sites. They are often produced in smaller, very specialized, batch reactors under a commercial agreement called, "toll manufacturing." BASF, DowDuPont, Arkema, Solvey, and most large chemical companies have this capability, but there are also some firms that specialize in only toll manufacturing.


Now, your Question's Title reveals your true interest: Developing pharma products, then you'll need to pursue a Ph D., and your job prospects will be directly related to your research papers, not your internships. Also, I would expect you would benefit from a PhD in Biochemistry rather than Chem E.

Scott recommends the following next steps:

Internet search: "Life Science Toll Chemical Manufacturers"
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Bohdan’s Answer

Hi Alice,

To quickly answer you question I know that Rutgers has a compiled list of pharma companies, they have varied positions for students in business to chemistry majors. Take a few hours to research these companies and write a cement cover letter to reflect your strengths with what they are looking for.


https://pharmafellows.rutgers.edu/our-program/partner-companies/


Not all companies listed in the website have what you are looking for, but don't get discouraged. They are also highly coveted and competitive!


Hope this helps!
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