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 Orthopedic Research Department in Naples, FL is responsible for supporting all benchtop and clinical research testing endeavors across all product portfolios.  Specifically, the Biomaterials Team is responsible for mechanical and polymeric product testing that supports product development, manufacturing process changes, regulatory submissions, product design changes and helps drive business decisions.  We are searching for a co-op pursuing a degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Biomedical, Chemical) or Polymer/Material Science to support the Biomaterials Team. The successful candidate will assist full-time research engineers with testing, data capture and analysis, and record keeping. The individual will be detail oriented in the execution and documentation of approved test methods and will be expected to communicate issues in a timely and accurate manner.

This Co-op will run from July 2026 – December 2026. 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 full-time in a Bachelor's degree program pursuing Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Science, Material Science or related discipline required. A college junior or above preferred. (Recent graduates must be within six months of their graduation date to qualify.)
• 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:

• The following instruments will be used. Experience with each is a plus. 
  • Materials Testing Systems
  • Viscometer
  • Differential Scanning Calorimeter
  • Moisture Analyzer
  • pH meter
  • Custom made testing apparatuses
  • Data acquisition systems