Background:
Swaza is a nanotherapeutics and AI-driven drug development company working on next-generation oxygen therapeutics and computational platforms for molecular optimization. Its AI-powered platform, OMNIA, integrates computational chemistry, machine learning, and organoid models to accelerate drug repurposing and molecular design. The company focuses on advancing solutions in biodefense, respiratory medicine, and space-based life support by combining AI, chemistry, and biomedical innovation.

Project Description:
We are seeking a Computational Chemistry and Bioinformatics Intern to support the development of AI-assisted molecular design, drug development efforts, and related special projects. This role will provide hands-on experience in quantum chemistry, molecular docking, structure-based drug design, cellular sequencing data, and AI-driven compound screening. The intern will collaborate closely with our machine learning, medicinal chemistry, and biomedical team to develop predictive models for small molecule optimization.

Responsibilities:

• Molecular Modeling & Docking – Utilize computational tools (AutoDock, Schrödinger, MOE, or similar) to evaluate ligand-protein interactions and molecular stability.

• AI-Assisted Drug Design – Work to refine deep learning models for molecular generation and drug repurposing.

• Bioinformatics – Assist with the processing and analysis of bulk and single-cell sequencing data, including normalization, quality control, and differential expression analysis using standardized bioinformatics pipelines.

• Quantum Chemistry Simulations – Conduct DFT (Density Functional Theory) and molecular dynamics simulations to assess compound behavior.

• Data Integration & Analysis – Process and analyze chemical libraries, molecular properties, and ADMET predictions.

• Visualization & Reporting – Generate structural insights, cheminformatics reports, and interactive visualizations for internal stakeholders.

• Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams – Work alongside our Head of AI to translate computational findings into experimental validation.

About the Candidate:

• Studies Computational Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience with molecular modeling and docking software (e.g., AutoDock, Schrödinger, MOE, Chimera).

• Proficiency in Python, R, or MATLAB for cheminformatics and molecular property prediction.

• Proficiency in R or Python, with experience in analyzing count matrices, working with tools like Seurat or Scanpy, and interpreting results in the context of genetic and transcriptomic data.

• Knowledge of AI/ML techniques in drug discovery, including QSAR modeling, deep generative models, and molecular embeddings.

• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (AWS, GCP) for running high-throughput simulations.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced research environment.

Plusses:

• Experience with GPU-accelerated molecular simulations (e.g., GROMACS, OpenMM).

• Background in nanotherapeutics, oxygen transport molecules, or biodefense-related compounds.

• Previous experience in a biotech or startup setting, demonstrating adaptability in an evolving research environment.

Background:
Swaza is a pioneering nanotherapeutics company developing next-generation oxygen-based solutions to transform respiratory care, space medicine, and biodefense applications. Our flagship product, SWAZA-1, is a revolutionary oxygen-enhancing nanofluid designed for critical respiratory conditions, emergency life support, and space-based oxygenation needs. With recognition from BARDA, NATO, and Johnson & Johnson Innovation, we are rapidly expanding our impact across aerospace, defense, and medical markets.

Project Description:

We are seeking a Business Development Intern to help analyze market opportunities, identify partnerships, and explore funding strategies. This is an excellent opportunity for juniors, seniors, and graduate-level students with an interest in biotech, defense, and space innovation to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, mission-driven startup.

Responsibilities:

• Market and Competitive Analysis – Research and analyze emerging trends, competitors, and market gaps in biotech, defense, and space-based life support technologies.

• Business Strategy Development – Work with the Business Development team to assess new indications, partnerships, and commercialization pathways.

• Funding and Investment Research – Identify government contracts, venture funding, and strategic investment opportunities in biotech and defense sectors.

• Industry Engagement – Support efforts to engage with potential partners, investors, and key stakeholders in the biopharma, aerospace, and defense industries.

• Internal Collaboration – Work closely with science, regulatory, and executive teams to align business strategies with Swaza’s growth objectives.

About the Candidate:

• Background in STEM, business, or finance, with a strong interest in the biotech, defense, or aerospace industries.

• Knowledge or passion for drug development, medical countermeasures, and space medicine.

• Strong analytical and research skills, with a proven ability to work independently on projects.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including report writing and presentation skills.

• Completed a Bachelor’s degree — or currently pursuing a Master’s degree — in Business, Marketing, Life Sciences, or a related field.

• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.

Background:

Swaza is a cutting-edge nanotherapeutics and AI-driven drug development company, leveraging advanced computational models to repurpose FDA-approved drugs and develop next-generation life-saving solutions. Our AI platform, OMNIA, integrates machine learning, organoid models, and predictive analytics to accelerate drug optimization for radiation countermeasures, cardiovascular treatments, and biodefense applications.

Project Description:

We are seeking a Data Science Intern to support the development of projects within our AI-driven drug development pipeline. This role will focus on building, refining, and deploying machine learning models to optimize drug repurposing, molecular predictions, and real-world data analysis. The intern will work closely with our Head of AI, gaining hands-on experience in AI applications for biomedical innovation.

Responsibilities:

• Machine Learning Model Development – Train and optimize predictive models for drug-target interactions, molecular embeddings, and AI-driven analytics.

• Data Engineering & Analysis – Conduct exploratory data analysis, data cleaning, and feature selection for biomedical datasets.

• Algorithm Optimization – Improve upon existing methodologies by developing new data sources, testing model enhancements, and fine-tuning parameters.

• Cloud Deployment & Integration – Deploy machine learning solutions to GCP/AWS (e.g., web and mobile applications).

• Visualization & Reporting – Build interactive dashboards and visualizations for internal and external stakeholders.

• Collaboration & Research – Work closely with our Head of AI to integrate insights from academic literature into internal development pipeline.

• API & Software Integration – Assist in developing REST APIs and working with Flask/Django to ensure smooth AI model integration.

About the Candidate:

• Completed a Bachelor's degree — or currently pursuing a Master’s degree — in Computer Science, Data Science, Bioinformatics, Engineering, or a related field.

• Proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and statistical modeling for supervised and unsupervised learning applications.

• Experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn) and time-series analysis techniques.

• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (preferably GCP, AWS) and NoSQL databases (MongoDB, ElasticSearch).

• Experience with REST APIs, Flask/Django, and integrating ML models into real-world applications.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, startup environment.

Plusses:

• Experience with JavaScript, React/Redux, and front-end data visualization tools.

• Background in biomedical data science, computational biology, or healthcare AI applications.

• Previous startup experience, demonstrating ability to work in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.