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

Postdoctoral Research Associate

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 the development of microfabricated devices and integrated measurement systems from concept through validated laboratory demonstration for an exciting project on microneedle-array-based diagnostics. In this role, you will establish and document robust fabrication workflows, assemble and package devices with supporting instrumentation, and build rigorous testbeds to quantify mechanical and thermal responses under controlled conditions and other tasks that are assigned to you.

Core responsibilities include:

• 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.
• Clean room and benchtop labs; possible BSL-2 access
• Mentor trainees
• Lead design-for-fabrication of micro-scale devices; develop and refine fabrication workflows to achieve reliable performance.
• Execute fabrication runs and process documentation with appropriate traceability and quality controls.
• Conduct dimensional and functional evaluations; establish acceptance criteria and drive iterative improvements.
• Implement surface preparation and material attachment steps; document stability and reliability checks.
• Integrate device components with supporting hardware; perform alignment, packaging, and system bring-up.
• Develop basic data-acquisition and control routines; perform calibration and maintain measurement logs.
• Build and validate benchtop test setups; design fixtures and manage relevant environmental conditions.
• Plan and execute mechanical and materials-focused tests; analyze repeatability and overall signal/response quality.
• Maintain SOPs, data integrity, and clear documentation, coordinate milestones with collaborating teams.
• Other research, engineering, and development responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned.

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 include:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or related field and specific experience related to the position.
• Experience taking microfabricated devices from design through process development and quantitative benchtop validation.
• At minimum, two hands-on microfab modalities (e.g., micromolding, photopolymer/UV, micromachining, thin-film patterning) and rigorous process documentation/DoE.
• Proficiency designing and executing mechanical and tissue-phantom assays, analyzing data with appropriate statistics (Gage R&R, repeatability, ANOVA), and producing publication-quality results
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

You should demonstrate:

• A strong foundation in micro- and nanofabrication, materials and surface modification, and sensor integration, along with competence in electronics, data acquisition, and experimental design.
• Demonstrated proficiency in metrology, calibration, statistical analysis, and standard operating procedures is essential.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach to interdisciplinary research.
• A track record of converting careful engineering into reproducible, publishable results.
• Demonstrated competence in electronics integration (PCB/flex assembly, sensor interfacing, DAQ/microcontroller scripting) and metrology (optical/SEM/profilometry), plus surface chemistry/bioconjugation for biomolecule attachment.
• Ability to make day-to-day technical decisions; escalate risk/scope.
• Milestone-driven deliverables and data integrity

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!

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.

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