Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is looking for a research scientist intern to assist with an on-going microrobotics project. Microrobotics is the final frontier of medical science, where small scale robots are being developed to navigate inside the human body to perform targeted drug delivery and minimally invasive surgery. During this internship, you will work directly for the Principal Investigator, design & perform experiments in a laboratory setting, and analyze the results using in-house software. ARA’s Microrobotics and Advanced Materials Laboratory (MAAML) is located in Randolph, VT. We are looking for a highly driven and detail-oriented candidate who enjoys working in a chemical/biological laboratory and isn’t afraid to tackle challenges.

This is an onsite part-time position, seeking a two day per week commitment, with the possibility of additional working hours available.

During this job you will:

• Fabricate microbots using centrifuges, pipettes, and other laboratory apparatus
• Analyze microbot configurations using optical microscopes
• Quantify microbot drug release using a spectrophotometer and optical methods
• Formulate different hydrogels of varying chemical concentrations and additives
• Examine the effects of therapeutic payloads on blood, vitreous humor, and other biomaterials
• Handle hazardous chemicals, biomaterials, and apparatus in a BSL-2 equivalent laboratory
• Navigate microbots using ARA’s in-house control systems
• Devise novel navigation strategies for microbots through experimental trial & error
• Make recommendations on experiments, laboratory operations, and safety protocols
• Write technical publications and presentations for both internal and external publication

Requirements:

• Strong communication skills are required
• Strong mental fitness is required with the ability to manage stress and deadlines
• Previous experience in research laboratories is required
• Must be comfortable working alone and in a team
• Applicants must have a safety-oriented mindset
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in personal protective equipment
• Ability to write code in python, C++, or Bash would be a plus
• Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or other related disciplines

Preferences:

• Preferred: Pursuing a Master’s or PhD in Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or other related disciplines
• Previous experience with hydrogels or drug delivery would be a plus
• Multidisciplinary research would be a plus

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2, 300 employee-owners and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees contributions not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please apply at careers.ara.com.

Compensation & Benefits: Pay ranges from $20 - $25 per hour based on experience.

Behaviors

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
• Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Motivations

• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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