Research Assistant

Hello humankindness 

Located conveniently in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center is a 571-bed, not-for-profit hospital that provides a wide range of health, social and support services.  Founded in 1895 by the Sisters of Mercy, St. Joseph's was the first hospital in the Phoenix area. More than 125 years later, St. Joseph's remains dedicated to its mission of caring for the poor and underserved.

We are extremely proud to be a nationally recognized center for quality quaternary care, medical education and research. St. Joseph's includes the internationally renowned Barrow Neurological Institute, Norton Thoracic Institute, Cancer Center at St. Joseph's, Ivy Brain Tumor Center, and St. Joseph's Level I Trauma Center (which is verified by the American College of Surgeons). The hospital is also a respected center for high-risk obstetrics, neuro-rehabilitation, orthopedics, and other medical services. St. Joseph’s is considered a sought-after destination hospital for treating the most complex cases from throughout the world. Every day, approximately 20 percent of the hospital’s patients have traveled from outside of Arizona and the United States to seek treatment at St. Joseph’s.

U.S News & World Report routinely ranks St. Joseph's among the top hospitals in the United States for neurology and neurosurgery.  In addition, St. Joseph's boasts the Creighton University School of Medicine at St. Joseph's, and a strategic alliance with Phoenix Children's Hospital.

St. Joseph's is consistently named an outstanding place to work and one of Arizona's healthiest employers. Come grow your career with one of Arizona's Most Admired Companies.

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For the health of our community ... we are proud to be a tobacco-free campus.

The Thurston Innovation Center The Thurston Innovation Center is a dynamic interdisciplinary laboratory focused on the development of novel medical devices and neurosurgical training models. We collaborate closely with neurosurgeons residents and industry partners to accelerate innovation in surgical education and patient care.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Part-Time Research Assistant to support our growing portfolio of projects in medical device prototyping and surgical simulation.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver with a background in biomedical engineering or a related field and a passion for rapid prototyping and translational research. This role is perfect for a recent biomedical engineering graduate or a current student with flexible availability and strong technical aptitude. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive background research including:
  • Literature reviews on surgical techniques simulation models and medical technologies
  • Market and competitive landscape analysis 
  • Prior art and existing solution searches (e.g. patent databases academic journals)
• Assist in rapid prototyping workflows including:
  • Operating and maintaining 3D printers (FDM SLA)
  • Post-processing printed parts and preparing prototypes
  •  Silicone molding and casting techniques
• Support 3D modeling of devices and anatomical models using SolidWorks Blender and Meshmixer
• Assist in sourcing and selecting components materials and fabrication vendors
• Help develop implement and document test plans and results for evaluation of novel product prototypes 
• Collaborate with engineers physicians and other hospital staff to iterate on design and usability

Minimum:

Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field (recent graduates encouraged to apply)

Experience with:

• SolidWorks (or equivalent CAD software) ○ Python and/or C++ for basic prototyping or automation tasks
• 3D printing technologies and associated post-processing methods 
• Silicone molding and hands-on prototyping 
• Electrical design principles
• Signal analysis techniques 
• Statistical analysis

Familiarity with medical device development or surgical simulation is a strong plus 

Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment

Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills 

Mechanical aptitude. Adept at hands on tasks including handling tools and operating equipment

Strong written and verbal communication skills