Coop, Research

About the Role

The Laboratory for Translational Engineering, led by Dr. Giovanni Traverso, is seeking a Northeastern co-op student to develop experimental strategies for stabilizing and controlling living biological systems. This is a full-time, on-site co-op based in Boston. This project seeks to understand and control interactions between living biological systems and their surrounding materials/environmental conditions using coatings, aqueous formulations, soft-material design, microscopy, and quantitative experimentation. The co-op student will take a central role in the day-to-day execution of the project.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing and executing experiments with living biological samples.
• Developing reliable protocols for sample handling, treatment, storage, and recovery.
• Preparing and applying coatings and aqueous formulations.
• Investigating polymers, hydrogels, surfactants, colloids, and other candidate materials.
• Performing optical microscopy and quantitative image analysis.
• Developing methods to evaluate viability, morphology, behavior, and functional recovery.
• Analyzing experimental data and identifying relationships across biological, material, and environmental variables.
• Collaborating with researchers developing automation, imaging, and data-analysis tools.
• Provide assistance to patients and their families, answering questions and addressing concerns within your scope of knowledge.
• Assist in scheduling patient appointments, ensuring efficient utilization of resources and optimal patient flow.
• Help with data entry and maintaining electronic health records (EHR) systems.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Strong interest in the healthcare industry and a desire to gain practical experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, healthcare professionals, and staff.
• Detail-oriented with good organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with integrity and professionalism.
• Proficient in using basic computer software.
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute as part of a healthcare team.
• Knowledge of healthcare regulations and privacy laws is an asset.
• Optical microscopy or quantitative biological imaging.
• Familiarity with biomaterials, coatings, polymers, hydrogels, colloids, or aqueous formulations.
• Experience with image analysis or quantitative data analysis.
• Strong organizational skills and careful experimental documentation.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as a student pursuing a relevant degree or diploma in a healthcare-related field.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent required.
• 0-1 year of experience required.
• Undergraduate and graduate students in mechanical engineering, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, or related disciplines are welcome.
• General wet-laboratory or experimental research experience is a plus.
• Experience designing, conducting, or troubleshooting experiments is a plus.
• Prior experience with the specific biological system is not required.

Physical Requirements

• Standing: Frequently (34-66%)
• Walking: Frequently (34-66%)
• Sitting: Occasionally (3-33%)
• Lifting: Occasionally (3-33%) 35lbs+ (w/assisted device)
• Carrying: Occasionally (3-33%) 35lbs+ (w/assisted device)
• Pushing: Occasionally (3-33%)
• Pulling: Occasionally (3-33%)
• Climbing: Occasionally (3-33%)
• Balancing: Frequently (34-66%)
• Stooping: Occasionally (3-33%)
• Kneeling: Occasionally (3-33%)
• Crouching: Occasionally (3-33%)
• Crawling: Occasionally (3-33%)
• Reaching: Occasionally (3-33%)
• Gross Manipulation (Handling): Frequently (34-66%)
• Fine Manipulation (Fingering): Frequently (34-66%)
• Feeling: Constantly (67-100%)
• Foot Use: Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Vision - Far: Constantly (67-100%)
• Vision - Near: Constantly (67-100%)
• Talking: Constantly (67-100%)
• Hearing: Constantly (67-100%)