Research Associate I - College of Engineering - Biomedical 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!

The Biomedical Engineering (BME) Department at Carnegie Mellon University is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to solving complex healthcare challenges. Located within CMU's College of Engineering, the department emphasizes the integration of engineering principles with biomedical sciences to address pressing medical and biological issues. The department is characterized by its focus on creating impactful technologies and therapies that improve patient care and advance biomedical innovation globally.

The Engineered Morphogenesis Group is part of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) on the Pittsburgh campus.  We aim to develop next- generation theragnostic technologies and treatments for genetic and environmentally induced pathologies.  Our research probes the interplay between stem cells and (patho)physiology. through the engineering of organoids (three-dimensional miniature tissues with organotypic features) for biorobotic and pharmaceutical applications. We are seeking a Laboratory Automation Engineer (Part-Time / Intern, 20 hours/week anticipated) to help devise, trial, and test new automated workflows in CMU’s Biological & Chemical Innovation Cloud Lab (Cloud Lab) to support increased throughput in cell and organoid culture. Work in this position will be highly interdisciplinary, combining robotics and tissue engineering to deliver a robust and reproducible culture platform capable of facilitating high-volume testing of environmental pollution exposure, viral and bacterial infection, and therapeutic screening. This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy problem-solving and hands-on experimentation, have strong attention to detail, and value developing technologies with tangible real-world applications.

Core Responsibilities:

Cell & Organoid Engineering:

• Learn the fundamentals of cell and organoid culture, achieving proficiency as monitored by supervisors.
•  Become familiar with existing experimental workflows.

Automation, Testing, & Analysis:

• Learn and use automation technologies available in the Cloud Lab, including both hardware and software systems.
• Integrate automation technologies into existing workflows with an emphasis on throughput and reproducibility.
• Synthesize and analyze data generated from automated experiments to inform iterative workflow improvement.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with cell culture teams to develop and integrate automated workflows.
• Regularly participate in and present during group meetings, covering project overviews,
  results, and future goals.

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:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a MS degree in Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. Outstanding recent BS graduates will also be considered.
• Proficiency in constructing machine learning models for describing and predicting experimental outcomes.
• Prior experience in laboratory automation for life sciences is highly desirable.
• Prior experience with cell and tissue culture is desirable but not required.
• Ability to work onsite in Pittsburgh, PA.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful Background check

Perks & Growth Opportunities:

• Competitive compensation, commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to work at the forefront of biomedical innovation, integrating robotics and automation.
• Extensive collaboration with biomedical engineers, scientists, and engineers at the CMU Cloud Lab.
• Hands-on access to emerging technologies in cell and tissue culture and laboratory automation.
• Opportunity for publishing and presenting research.

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!

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