Postdoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Department of Mechanical Engineering

About the role

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 characterizing engineered mammalian cells for therapeutic output and biomarker sensing, with an emphasis towards vascularization, angiogenesis, and the associated tissue engineering aspects, and evaluate their adaptation to tissue-on-chip and implantable device environments. The role connects cell biology, biomaterials, quantitative imaging, and experimental engineering.

You will design controlled in vitro and device-relevant studies of viability, function, stimulation response, optical reporter performance, and long-term stability, working closely with cell-engineering collaborators and the device, tissue-engineering, optics, and systems teams.

Your core responsibilities will include

• Lead assigned research activities, plan reproducible experiments, and communicate progress and technical risks against project milestones.
• Analyze quantitative data with appropriate controls and statistical methods; maintain traceable laboratory records, protocols, and analysis workflows.
• Collaborate across biological, device, sensing, and electronics teams to resolve interfaces and interpret integrated system performance.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, manuscripts, and other research materials; contribute to project meetings and scientific dissemination.
• Mentor students and junior researchers as appropriate, coordinate shared experimental activities, and follow applicable laboratory safety and research protocols.
• Receive, culture, bank, and characterize engineered cell lines in coordination with collaborators; maintain cell-line provenance and quality-control records.
• Quantify viability, proliferation, morphology, functional retention, reporter output, and long-term stability under standard and device-relevant culture conditions.
• Develop controlled assays of stimulation response, therapeutic secretion, optical reporter behavior, and biomarker-responsive readouts.
• Adapt cells to relevant matrices, compartments, materials, and culture geometries; evaluate oxygen and nutrient availability and repeated stimulation or measurement cycles.
• Design and operate longitudinal in vitro test platforms, including biomaterial-supported and prototype device configurations, to identify causes of performance loss.
• Coordinate cell integration with optical, electronic, and tissue-engineered subsystems; translate biological performance into testable device-interface requirements.
• Compare culture formats and integration conditions using appropriate controls, repeatability studies, and quantitative analysis; assess compatibility and technical risks.
• Generate documented datasets and recommendations that inform cell selection, device design iterations, milestone review, and subsequent validation planning.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisors

Additional information

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to 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.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Tissue Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 0-1 years of experience
• Demonstrated experience designing and executing quantitative mammalian-cell experiments; sterile culture technique; viability, proliferation, functional-response, and longitudinal assays; fluorescence imaging or plate-reader measurements; and statistical data analysis.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex assays, maintain reproducible records, and communicate across disciplines is required.
• Experience with engineered therapeutic or sensing cells, optogenetic or electrogenetic systems, secretion assays, calcium signaling, hydrogel or ECM culture, perfusion or microfluidic platforms, or cell integration with biomedical devices is preferred.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements

• Prior biosafety, chemical hygiene, and BSL-2 laboratory training is preferred.
• Complete applicable institutional safety training before assigned laboratory work. Any human- or animal-subject activities require the relevant approvals and training before participation.

Additional information

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits, available to all full-time Carnegie Mellon University employees. Experience the full spectrum of advantages, from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to enticing retirement savings programs. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, and take well-deserved breaks with generous paid time off and holidays. Rest easy knowing you're covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. For a comprehensive overview of the benefits awaiting you, explore:

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role & responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique key skills and the diverse perspectives you bring. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment means we also account for geographic differentials. 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 this exciting opportunity?! Apply today!

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Pay and 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, PA
• Job Function
• Pre/Post-Doctoral Associates & Fellows
• Position Type
• Postdoctoral Associate / Fellow (Fixed Term)
• Full Time/Part time
• Full time
• Pay Basis

Salary

More Information

• Please visit " Why Carnegie Mellon " to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
• Statement of Assurance