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 focusing on the interface between engineered mammalian cells and implantable device environments, including studies of cell adaptation, longevity, functional stability, optical readout compatibility, and integrated system behavior.

This role will emphasize assessment of engineered cells in configurations relevant to device integration. The postdoctoral associate will design and execute experiments to understand how engineered cells perform over time in controlled in vitro settings, biomaterial-supported culture environments, and prototype device-relevant configurations. The position requires a technically mature researcher who can work across cell biology, biomaterials, device testing, quantitative imaging, and experimental systems engineering.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead cell-device integration experiments supporting project milestones.
• Develop test plans for evaluating engineered cells under implant-relevant in vitro conditions.
• Collaborate with cell-engineering, device, optics, tissue-engineering, and systems- integration teams.
• Establish reproducible protocols for longitudinal culture, functional testing, and data collection.
• Analyze optical, biological, and device-performance datasets using appropriate statistical and computational methods.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks, SOPs, QC records, and milestone documentation.
• Prepare presentations, technical reports, manuscripts, and sponsor-facing materials.
• Mentor junior researchers and coordinate day-to-day experimental activities with technicians and students.
• Identify integration risks and develop fallback experimental strategies.
• Adapt engineered therapeutic and sensing cells to implant-relevant materials, compartments, matrices, and culture configurations.
• Evaluate long-term cell viability, proliferation, stability, reporter output, and functional response under controlled conditions.
• Design and operate in vitro platforms to assess cell performance over extended periods.
• Study how device-relevant factors, such as optical access, material interfaces, culture geometry, nutrient/oxygen availability, and repeated stimulation or measurement cycles, affect engineered-cell function.
• Support testing of cell systems in prototype device configurations.
• Develop quantitative readouts for cell longevity, functional retention, signal stability, and system compatibility.
• Coordinate with collaborators to compare CMU-based device-relevant results with external benchmarks.
• Generate integrated datasets that support milestone decisions, design iterations, and downstream validation planning.
• Perform other project-related duties as assigned.

Additional information

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.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biology, Mechanical Engineering, Biology, Bioengineering, Cell Biology, Tissue Engineering, Synthetic Biology, or a closely related field.
• 3-5 years of experience
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute experiments involving mammalian cells, biomaterials or device-relevant culture systems, quantitative imaging or fluorescence assays, and longitudinal data collection.
• Experience with hydrogel culture, ECM-based systems, microfabricated devices, implantable-device prototypes, perfusion or microfluidic systems, or long-term in vitro functionality testing is strongly preferred.
• Preferred training includes: BSL-2 training, biosafety training, chemical hygiene training, human/animal-subjects compliance training if later required by assigned studies
• 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.

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