Postdoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Department of Mechanical Engineering
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!
Innovation. Interdisciplinary collaboration. Complex problem solving. In Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, faculty members, researchers, and students are revolutionizing focus areas in advanced manufacturing, bioengineering, computational engineering, energy and the environment, product design, and robotics. In addition, they are using their expertise in interdisciplinary research centers across the university.
Carnegie Mellon University’s department of Mechanical Engineering is searching for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join their team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment. You will contribute to the department by leading fundamental research and applied validation underlying a multi-chamber cancer-detection device from concept through integrated laboratory demonstration. You will develop user-oriented sample-handling and assay protocols, design and execute structured performance studies (e.g., sensitivity, specificity, robustness), and establish stability and shelf-life test plans with rigorous statistical analysis and traceable documentation. The role emphasizes
methodical validation, standards-aligned documentation, and advancing the underlying science of assay behavior and measurement fidelity, translating bench-top prototypes into reliable, user-ready systems.
Responsibilities:
- Addressing project milestones in a timely manner
- Building and nurturing collaborations with other teams in the project
- Working collaboratively with other trainees in the laboratory
- Completing all professional assignments in a timely manner, including creating reports, presentations and experimentations
- Independent day-to-day technical decisions; escalate risk/scope
- Clean room and benchtop labs; possible BSL-2 access
- Milestone-driven deliverables and data integrity
- Works under PI with moderate independence; mentor trainees
- Define sample collection/capture/transfer protocols and device-loading SOPs
- Execute benchtop validation (controls, LoD, specificity, robustness)
- Plan and run stability/shelf-life studies
- Build analysis of pipelines and reports; collaborate with device/electronics teams
- Other research, engineering, and development responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor
Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.
You should demonstrate:
- Strong foundations in diagnostic assay development, experimental design, and data
acquisition/calibration are essential - Working literacy in sensor/electronics integration and close collaboration with device-
engineering teams - General knowledge of nucleic acid sensing, CRISPR methods, and electrochemical
sensors is important
Qualifications:
- PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Bioengineering or related field
- Experience designing and validating diagnostic or analytical assays, including protocol development, control design, and quantitative performance testing (e.g., sensitivity, specificity, robustness)
- A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered
- Proficiency with statistical analysis (powering, LoD estimation, error rates), stability/shelf-
life studies, and traceable documentation aligned with good laboratory practices - Demonstrated ability to collaborate with device and electronics teams to ensure methods
reflect true system behavior and support transfer to broader testing - A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PAJob Function
Pre/Post-Doctoral Associates & FellowsPosition Type
Postdoctoral Associate / Fellow (Fixed Term)Full Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
SalaryMore Information:
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Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.