Polymer Development Intern

R&D               ·             Cambridge , MA             ·                 Internship

Polymer Development Intern at Axoft

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Axoft is building the most advanced and scalable platform for implantable brain-machine interfaces. Our mission is to enable minimally invasive, long-term stable and ultra-high bandwidth communication with the brain, opening new therapies and treatments against neurological disorders and physical disabilities. We have bridged the gap between electronic and biological materials to create the softest, nanofabricated brain implants in the world. We are now looking to add talented people to the team who are passionate, deliver results, and are committed to finding creative solutions to complex problems. Axoft is looking for candidates who have demonstrated exceptional abilities and results in their previous professional, academic and interpersonal experiences and have the skillset that fits this job offer.

As an Intern in Polymer Development Science at Axoft, you will play a crucial role within the Material Science and Characterization team, actively participating in the synthesis of innovative polymers intended for the production of state-of-art neural probes. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to engage in the characterization and testing of these polymers’ mechanical and rheological properties.

About you:

• You embrace challenges at work, and you enjoy solving complex problems by breaking them down into achievable goals.
• You are thoughtful/conscientious and creative, but you are also execution oriented, with a clear focus on delivering a simple, implementable, and scalable solution.
• You love multi-disciplinary environments and thrive when working with various teams of engineers and scientists.
• You are ingenious and independent but know how to leverage the experience of your team.

Key qualifications:

• Desire to work reliably with novel and complex processes where innovation and precision are equally important.
• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor program in Polymer Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or other related fields.
• Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• The candidate must be able to work effectively in a chemistry lab environment and handling organic solvents, follow synthesis protocols precisely and document all procedures accurately.
• The candidate must also have basic understanding of polymer science and synthesis.
• The candidate should possess proficiency in using Microsoft Excel to efficiently utilize its features for data analysis, plotting, and the creation of comprehensive spreadsheets.

Preferred qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a Master or higher program in Polymer Science, Chemistry or other related fields
• Experienced with synthesis of specialty polymer and functionalization.
• Familiarity with characterization techniques such as tensile testing, rheometry, DSC, TGA, etc.
• Understanding of chemical characterization techniques of monomers and polymers, e.g NMR, FTIR, GPC, etc.
• Familiarity with the use of polymers in micro-fabrication and lithography applications.
• Proficiency in MATLAB and Python programming languages, including a solid understanding of their respective libraries and capabilities, is expected. Candidates should be comfortable using these tools for data analysis, modeling, and automation.

Your responsibilities:

• Collaborate and report to the lead Polymer Scientist about the general progress and strategy for development
• Support the synthesis, characterization and development of soft polymers for neural probe fabrications.
• Production of engineering documentation, processes, and workflows.
• Maintain good organizational relationships with other departments and engineering disciplines

What we offer:

• An opportunity to transition into full-time position at the end of the internship.
• Career growth opportunities that fit your potential. 
• Comprehensive benefits plan including health and dental insurance; parental leave. 
• Flexible paid time off. 

Axoft’s ideal team members are people who seek fast paced, evolving work with bright, thoughtful, and dedicated teammates. We seek and embrace challenges, and we are focused on improving the health and well-being of people. We believe in producing the highest quality work, and we hold ourselves and each other to high standards of integrity, accountability, growth, and trust.  

Axoft provides equal opportunity in all our employment practices to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military status, genetic information or any other category protected by federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, transfer, disciplinary action, layoff, return from layoff, training and social, and recreational programs. All such employment decisions will be made without unlawfully discriminating on any prohibited basis. 

Please click here to apply.