"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. 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 both the engineering and fundamental research underlying a multi-chamber cancer-detection device from concept through integrated laboratory. The role emphasizes device innovation, robust design, and manufacturable build protocols while advancing the underlying science of device behavior, materials, and fluidic phenomena.

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 and presentations, experimentations, etc.
• Independent day-to-day technical decisions; escalate risk/scope.
• Cleanroom and benchtop labs; possible BSL-2 access.
• Milestone-driven deliverables and data integrity.
• Works under PI with moderate independence; mentor's trainees.
• Design/fabricate/assemble multi-chamber cartridges and fixtures
• Integrate electrodes and electronics; bring up calibration and QA checks
• Produce SOPs, DfX notes, and transfer documentation
• Collaborate with assay/firmware teams to ensure device supports performance needs
• Supervise graduate or undergraduate students as needed
• 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 manufacturing, microfabrication, and microfluidics, extensive experience in experimental design and process development, and hands-on expertise with assembly and sealing of small-scale fluidic systems.
• General knowledge of sensors and electronics, sufficient for close collaboration with chemistry and electronics teams, is preferred.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM and finite-element modeling is required, alongside disciplined verification/validation practices and the ability to translate prototypes into reliable, user-ready systems.
• Demonstrated integration with sensors/electronics (bring-up, calibration), creation of manufacturable SOPs/DfX, and quantitative verification/validation.
• Evidence of rigorous experimental design, clear documentation, and successful collaboration across chemistry and electronics teams.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or related field and specific experience related to the position
• Experience leading end-to-end development of microfluidic or micro-manufactured devices: design (CAD/CAM), analysis (FEM), fabrication, and assembly/sealing of small-scale fluidic systems.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

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