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 Biomedical Engineering (BME) Department at Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a Research Associate that will provide routine and non-routine technical support for laboratory research operations. This position is responsible for maintaining laboratory facilities, equipment, instruments, and supplies while supporting research personnel and study participants. The role assists with planning, preparation, execution, and analysis of in vivo and in vitro research studies, including animal research procedures, data collection, sample processing, record keeping, and compliance with applicable research protocols and regulations. The position requires independent judgment, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment.
Core Responsibilities:
- Participate in the planning, preparation, execution, and analysis of in vivo and in vitro experiments, including surgical animal studies.
- Perform anesthesia induction, monitoring, recovery support, perioperative care, and postoperative animal care procedures.
- Conduct experimental setup, sample collection, specimen processing, and laboratory testing activities.
- Maintain accurate animal health, procedural, and study records in accordance with approved protocols.
- Assist investigators with protocol development, study coordination, troubleshooting, and implementation of research procedures.
- Train and support laboratory personnel in research techniques, equipment operation, animal handling, and laboratory best practices
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
- 1-3 years of Laboratory research experience in biological sciences, biomedical engineering, or related field. Animal research, surgical procedures, anesthesia, data collection and analysis, and laboratory operations management
- A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, lift, and carry laboratory equipment, supplies, and materials up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work with animals, biological specimens, laboratory equipment, and research instrumentation.
- Ability to maintain accurate records, pay close attention to detail, and follow complex protocols.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and respond to changing research needs
Requirements:
- Successful Background Check
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!
Location
Pittsburgh, PAJob Function
ResearchersPosition Type
Staff – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)Full Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
HourlyMore Information:
Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
Statement of Assurance
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- 1-3 years laboratory research experience in biological sciences or biomedical engineering
- Experience with animal research, surgical procedures, anesthesia induction and monitoring
- Experience with sample collection, specimen processing, laboratory testing, and data collection/analysis
- Maintain accurate study and animal health records per approved protocols
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and perform physical lab duties
- Ability to work with animals, biological specimens, laboratory equipment, and instrumentation
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
- Successful background check
Carnegie Mellon University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Carnegie Mellon University and has not been reviewed or approved by Carnegie Mellon University.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is positioned as a standout, with automatic employer contributions to a TIAA-administered plan at 8% of base salary (and 9.78% for 9‑month academic appointments), plus optional employee deferrals. Vesting after three years is clearly specified, which helps set expectations for long-term value.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental and family support is strengthened by 100% paid parental leave for six weeks and 100% paid maternity leave for 6–8 weeks (delivery-type dependent), effective July 1, 2024. Childcare support is also referenced through a Cyert Center subsidy up to $5,000 per family, alongside no-cost EAP access.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle benefits include free Pittsburgh Regional Transit access and access to fitness classes and facilities, adding recurring non-cash value to the overall package. Pittsburgh’s relatively affordable cost of living can further increase the perceived adequacy of a given salary compared with higher-cost coastal hubs.
Carnegie Mellon University Insights
What We Do
Carnegie Mellon University founder Andrew Carnegie said: "My heart is in the work." No statement better captures the passion and drive of our people to make a real difference. At Carnegie Mellon, we're not afraid of the work. Our educational environment creates problem solvers, drivers of innovation and pioneers in technology and the arts. Employers in every field say our graduates are ready to hit the ground running the day they graduate. So, join us. Whether you're looking for a career or an education. Or both.
