BFT - Translational Research Intern - Harris Orthopaedics Laboratory
Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH)

Job Info

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Translational Research Intern Position at the Harris Orthopaedics Laboratory

General Overview

The pioneering efforts of the Harris Orthopaedics Laboratory (HOL) www.harrisortholab.org have positively impacted the quality of life of many millions of patients through innovation and evidence-based medicine since its inception in 1969. The mission of the laboratory is to improve patient outcomes through materials science and clinical research in orthopaedics.

A ten to twelve-week Research Intern position with a stipend is available from June to August 2023. The internship will include an introduction into material formulation and testing of drug delivery devices in orthopaedic applications such as joint arthroplasty, trauma and spine. Interns will have the opportunity to be exposed to the translational research environment through interaction with other members of the Harris Laboratory and gain insight into design of medical devices, in-vitro characterization, preclinical testing of safety and efficacy and clinical follow-up research of implanted materials. Upon successful completion of the internship, the intern may be considered for in-semester internship or for a full-time research technician position.

Depending on the specific project, responsibilities will include some of the following activities:

• Laboratory formulation including preparation of polymers, blends of polymers, photo and thermal polymerization, polymeric consolidation.
• Characterization of polymers on-site and off-site at available facilities in Boston including elution testing, mechanical, fatigue testing and structural characterization.
• Anti-bacterial method development and anti-bacterial material characterization using bacterial cultures in a BSL-2 setting.
• May include support for pre-clinical testing including preparing tissue and blood specimens for post-surgical material analysis and characterization of retrieved implants.
• May include data processing for gait analysis or characterization of structural material properties.

General laboratory functions:

• Assembly, operation, maintaining operation protocols, and some maintenance of used equipment
• Maintaining clean equipment, glassware and laboratory space
• Working alongside research technologists, MD students, PhD students and post-doctoral fellows

Administrative/reporting functions:

• Organizing and accurately maintaining written records of procedures and data
• Generating and compiling experimental information/results in graphs, charts, and reports.
• Preparing written and/or verbal reports for supervisor and/or senior research personnel.

Qualifications
Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will be a rising senior on the pre-med track, majoring preferably in Chemical/Biomedical Engineering who has demonstrated strong academic performance (minimum 3.3 GPA is preferred). Preference will be given to a candidate planning to matriculate at medical or graduate school in 2026-2028.
• Coursework and/or internship experience in polymeric materials a plus.
• Robust written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills are all expected. Independence, self-motivation, and a willingness to learn new skills are also vital for succeeding in this position.

EEO Statement
Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

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