Postdoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Electrical and Computer 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. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) ranks among the best in the country, with research programs at the forefront of the technologies that have changed the world. Our interdisciplinary approach to education and research allows faculty and students across the university and beyond to collaborate on problems that have a significant impact on the world.

About the role

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University is seeking an outstanding Post-Doctoral Researcher to join Prof. Gianluca Piazza. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research in the modeling, design, fabrication, characterization, and system integration of MEMS quartz resonators for next-generation precision micro-oscillators. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with graduate, master's, and undergraduate students, as well as industrial collaborators, in a highly collaborative research environment focused on advanced timing and frequency control technologies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on MEMS quartz resonators and precision micro-oscillator technologies
• Develop analytical, numerical, and finite-element models of MEMS resonators
• Design, fabricate, and characterize MEMS resonator devices
• Integrate resonators into oscillator and electronic circuit platforms and evaluate system-level performance
• Work closely with graduate students, master's students, undergraduate researchers, and industrial partners to achieve project objectives
• Contribute to publications, presentations, technical reports, and project deliverables
• Participate in research group meetings and project reviews as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a closely related field
• Strong publication record in MEMS, resonators, piezoelectric devices, RF systems, or related areas
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience interacting with industry partners and mentoring junior researchers is a plus
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered

Skills

Candidates should have experience in:

• Modeling and design of MEMS resonators and acoustic wave devices
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for electromechanical systems
• Microfabrication of MEMS devices using cleanroom processes
• Experimental testing and characterization of MEMS resonators and frequency control devices
• Electronic circuit integration and interfacing of resonators with oscillator circuits
• Data analysis and interpretation of device performance metrics, including frequency stability, quality factor (Q), and temperature behavior
• Experience with quartz resonators, piezoelectric MEMS devices, timing technologies, RF systems, or oscillator design is highly desirable

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 Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs
• Fitness center access

Location: Pittsburgh, PA. This is a full-time, fixed-term postdoctoral position.