Carnegie Mellon University · 1 month ago
Postdoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Department of Mechanical Engineering
Pittsburgh, PA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior LevelCarnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. The Department of Mechanical Engineering is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead the development of microfabricated devices and integrated measurement systems, contributing to innovative diagnostics projects.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
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
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
Qualification
Required
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
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
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance
Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions
Tuition benefits
Ample paid time off and observed holidays
Life and accidental death and disability insurance
Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass
Access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs
Fitness center access
Company
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university that offers degrees in technology, arts, and various other fields.
Founded in 1900
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Carnegie Mellon University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (131)
2024 (131)
2023 (149)
2022 (132)
2021 (120)
2020 (99)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$488.58MKey Investors
ICANNAppalachian Regional CommissioneBPF Foundation
2025-05-29Grant· $0.45M
2024-09-05Grant· $0.5M
2024-08-29Grant· $0.05M
Leadership Team
Amy Coutu
Assistant Vice President, Enterprise Applications
Chirag Patel
Adjunct Professor
Recent News
Government Technology US
2026-01-07
2026-01-03
2025-12-29
Company data provided by crunchbase