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

Job Details

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 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 conducting a wide range of experiments, including wet-lab and cell-based in vitro studies, in vivo animal experiments, and other benchtop testing. You will manage the ARPA-H cell laboratories and coordinate cell-related activities with other research groups involved in the project. You will evaluate product-market fit, identify potential regulatory and translational pathways, and support strategies for moving lab innovations toward clinical and commercial adoption, including efforts related to FDA submission, while collaborating closely with the PI and adapting to other project needs as assigned.

Core Responsibilities:

• Designs, conducts, and interprets scientific experiments in support of project objectives.
• Develops, documents, and maintains experimental protocols, procedures, and data records in compliance with lab and institutional standards.
• Collaborates effectively with cross-disciplinary research teams and external partners to support project milestones.
• Manages laboratory operations, including supply procurement, equipment maintenance, and regulatory compliance.
• Contributes to writing and reviewing technical reports, grant applications, and manuscripts.
• Participates in team meetings, presenting updates and contributing to planning and troubleshooting discussions.
• Supports the development and translation of scientific innovations toward clinical or commercial applications.
• Completes pre-IND and pre-clinical testing.
• Oversees project timelines, deliverables, and resource allocation to ensure technical progress.
• Responsible for writing and supporting reports, experimental protocols, and other documentation.

Position Specific Responsibilities:

• Support and manage the ARPA-H projects (BIO-INSYNC and others if needed) within the Ozdoganlar Lab, ensuring effective coordination across research objectives and timelines.
• Manage and maintain ARPA-H cell laboratories, ensuring proper use of resources, compliance with safety protocols, and readiness for collaborative use.
• Coordinate between ARPA-H BIO-INSYNC research groups, facilitating the distribution, tracking, and analysis of cells and decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) materials.
• Conduct and support a wide range of experiments, including wet-lab, cell-based in vitro studies, in vivo animal studies, and other benchtop validations relevant to the project.
• Lead or assist in drafting technical reports, experimental protocols, and documentation to support internal milestones, external reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Develop and refine procedures for FDA submission and commercialization of BIO-INSYNC medical devices, in collaboration with regulatory and translational experts.
• Identify translational and regulatory pathways, assess product-market fit, and contribute to strategy development for clinical and commercial advancement of lab innovations.
• Other functions as directed 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.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, biology or closely related field.
• 1-3 years of experience.
• Hands-on experience with cell culture, in vitro assays, and ideally in vivo animal studies in a research or translational setting.
• Experience in writing experimental protocols, technical reports, or grant-related documentation.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful background check.
• Proven ability to coordinate interdisciplinary research projects, including communication across biology, engineering, and commercialization teams.
• Familiarity with regulatory pathways, such as FDA submission processes, and an understanding of translational research frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to manage lab operations, including resource planning, safety compliance, and multi-team coordination.
• Strong scientific and analytical skills, organizational and communication capabilities, and the ability to shape development plans that align with both technical feasibility and market needs.