Research and Development Intern

Job Description

Research and Development Intern | Surmodics Services and Technologies

The Tone:
This is a paid, full-time temporary internship at Surmodics Services and Technologies (SST), lasting approximately 10 weeks between May and August 2026, based on the student’s availability. At SST, our mission is to deliver leading coating solutions that enhance medical device performance and support improved surgical procedure outcomes, contributing to advancements in healthcare. As a Research and Development Intern, you will be an integral part of our team, working alongside experienced scientists and engineers. This role offers the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience within a collaborative laboratory environment, directly contributing to our mission. You will actively support the R&D team by conducting crucial testing on medical device coatings, meticulously analyzing testing results, and contributing your insights and ideas for process improvement.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Full-time, Temporary
• Team: R&D team, reporting to the Director of R&D and Innovation
• Mission: Conduct testing, analyze results, and contribute ideas to enhance medical device coating solutions and performance.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Coating Testing: Perform coating testing and related measurement activities on medical devices.
• Process Enhancement: Evaluate test results and identify opportunities for process enhancement within R&D.
• Performance Assessment: Assess the performance of medical devices related to coatings.
• Sample Support: Assist with sample builds and testing of designated coatings.
• Reporting: Summarize testing results in comprehensive reports and oral presentations.

The Must-Haves
• Background: You should be currently enrolled in an accredited college/university and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a core science or engineering discipline. Preferred fields include Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related scientific field. You must have completed at least your sophomore-year coursework by the start of the internship, demonstrating foundational knowledge in your chosen field. A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required to be considered for this role.
• Experience: Candidates must possess at least two years of college-level chemistry laboratory experience, indicating practical skills in experimental procedures. The ability to work full time, 40 hours per week, for the entire duration of the approximately 10-week internship is essential. Reliable transportation to and from the work location is also a necessary requirement for this in-person role. Furthermore, legal authorization to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship is a strict prerequisite for employment.
• Skills: Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills, enabling clear articulation of findings and ideas to the R&D team and supervisors. High attention to detail is critical for accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting in a laboratory setting.