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

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. They also use 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 providing support by focusing on system integration and device preparation for the biosensing devices, connecting nucleic-acid analysis workflows with small-scale fluidic systems, sensors, electronics, and data acquisition.

The role combines device fabrication and assembly, experimental setup, assay-compatible sample handling, electronics integration, and quantitative testing of the complete system.

Your core responsibilities will include:

- You will develop repeatable preparation and operating procedures, identify failures at subsystem interfaces, and work with the sensing and assay teams to improve integrated prototype performance.
- 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.
- Prepare, fabricate as needed, assemble, seal, and inspect MCDS devices, cartridges, fixtures, and fluidic connections using repeatable build and quality-control procedures.
- Integrate sample handling, assay chambers, sensing elements, electronics, and data acquisition into functional experimental systems; define and document subsystem interfaces.
- Develop and evaluate nucleic-acid analysis workflows with assay collaborators, including sample preparation, transfer, loading, and compatibility with the selected detection method.
- Establish controls for contamination, carryover, sample loss, inhibition, and device-material effects that can alter nucleic-acid measurements.
- Set up and troubleshoot electrical connections, measurement instrumentation, control interfaces, and synchronized data collection in coordination with electronics and firmware specialists.
- Design integrated test plans addressing fluidic integrity, assay and sensor performance, calibration, timing, run-to-run reproducibility, and complete workflow reliability.
- Analyze system data and trace failures to mechanical, fluidic, biochemical, electrical, or software interfaces; compare design and preparation changes through controlled experiments.
- Produce build records, preparation and operating protocols, calibration checks, and transfer documentation; coordinate with the biochemical sensing role on shared interfaces and integration tests.
- Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. Inclusion, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are seeking a team member who can interact effectively with a diverse group of internal and external partners with 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:

- A doctorate degree required in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related field, with research relevant to integrated analytical devices.
- 0-1 years experience.
- Hands-on experience developing and testing microfluidic, biomedical, or analytical devices; device assembly and preparation; experimental troubleshooting; sensor or electronics interfaces; and quantitative data analysis.
- Working knowledge of nucleic-acid analysis and the ability to develop reproducible workflows with assay specialists are required.
- Experience with CAD/CAM, microfabrication, assembly and sealing, fluidic fixtures, electrode integration, instrument control, or calibration and data acquisition preferred.
- Experience with nucleic-acid sample preparation, amplification or other detection methods, CRISPR-based assays, or electrochemical sensing is desirable.
- A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

- Prior cleanroom, chemical hygiene, biosafety, and laboratory electronics training relevant to the work preferred.
- Complete applicable institutional safety, equipment, and facility training before assigned work. Handle biological samples and nucleic-acid workflows under the applicable approved laboratory protocols.

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: https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/benefits-at-a-glance .

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.

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 .
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