Arthrex is a global medical device company and leader in orthopedics medical education. With a corporate mission of Helping Surgeons Treat Their Patients Better™, Arthrex has pioneered the field of arthroscopy and develops more than 1,000 innovative products and procedures each year that support all aspects of orthopedics. The Department of Orthopedic Research is seeking a Co-op to support Biomaterials related studies and testing responsibilities that characterize the mechanical and/or polymeric behavior of Arthrex’s product families. The shelf life and degradation data produced from these studies primarily supports: (a) regulatory submissions with the FDA or foreign regulatory bodies, (b) product development projects, (c) product design changes, and (d) supplier proposed process changes. The Biomaterials Co-op is responsible for monitoring and maintaining test samples within their appropriate study conditions as well as preparing and testing samples at critical time points. On occasion, the Biomaterials Co-op may be assigned tasks that support the Biomechanics group. These tasks may include mechanical testing, biomechanical sample preparation, and assisting Arthrex visitors with research projects.

This Co-op will run from July 2025 – December 2025. The ideal candidate will have the availability to work 40 hours per week at our Naples, FL facility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare samples for present or future testing. This includes but is not limited to: using a band saw, power drill, product related instrumentation and deploying product.
• Perform regular pH testing to monitor, record and maintain appropriate incubation parameters.
• Cut and weigh test samples for subsequent testing.
• Work under a fume hood to chemically prepare samples for testing. This includes measuring and dispensing chemicals with appropriate tools.
• Operate a centrifuge and viscometer to perform viscosity testing.
• Operate a materials testing machine to mechanically test samples.
• Operate a camera to properly document sample preparation, test methods and modes of failure.
• Perform quantitative and qualitative material characterization. These activities could include, but are not limited to, the use of a microscope or Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer.
• Collaborate with other Biomaterials team members.
• Communicate with study stakeholders via email or telephone.
• Performing other various Biomaterials related tasks as they arise.
• Perform scientific literature searches on relevant topics when required.
• Perform statistical analysis on sample groups using appropriate software and statistical methods.
• Write and submit scientific test reports.
• Compile PowerPoint presentations of study findings.
• Perform other various Biomaterials related tasks as they arise.
• Work primarily unassisted or with minimal supervision and instruction.
• Maintain laboratory organization and cleanliness.
• Must comply with all laboratory safety instructions and wear PPE as appropriate for various activities.
• Ability to work around cadaveric specimens required.

Education and Experience:

• Enrolled as a full-time student pursuing a Bachelor's Degree with major in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Science, Material Science or related discipline required. (Students who have recently graduated are only eligible to work as an intern/co-op up to six months from their graduation date.)
• Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Course work or prior work experience in a laboratory setting would be advantageous.
• Prior experience with (a) mechanical testing involving tensile testing, (b) statistics or statistical analysis and/or (c) technical writing are all considered a plus.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements/Specialized Courses and/or Training:

Qualified candidates should have good communication skills, both written and verbal, and exhibit good documentation practices. Ideal candidates are detail oriented and enjoy working in a lab environment.

Machine, Tools, and/or Equipment Skills:

Instruments used will include:

• Materials Testing Systems
• Viscometer
• Differential Scanning Calorimeter
• Moisture Analyzer
• pH meter
• Custom made testing apparatuses
• Data acquisition systems

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.