Research Associate I - College of Engineering - Biomedical Engineering

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to solving complex healthcare challenges. The Biomedical Engineering (BME) Department emphasizes integrating engineering principles with biomedical sciences to address pressing medical and biological issues, focusing on impactful technologies and therapies that improve patient care and advance biomedical innovation globally.

The Engineered Morphogenesis Group within the BME Department aims to develop next-generation theragnostic technologies and treatments for genetic and environmentally induced pathologies. Research explores the interplay between stem cells and (patho)physiology through the engineering of organoids for biorobotic and pharmaceutical applications.

About the role

We are seeking a part-time Laboratory Automation Engineer (20 hours/week anticipated) to devise, trial, and test new automated workflows in CMU’s Biological & Chemical Innovation Cloud Lab. This interdisciplinary role combines robotics and tissue engineering to create a robust, reproducible culture platform for high-volume testing of environmental pollution exposure, viral and bacterial infection, and therapeutic screening.

Responsibilities

• Learn fundamentals of cell and organoid culture, achieving proficiency as monitored by supervisors.
• Become familiar with existing experimental workflows.
• Learn and use automation technologies in the Cloud Lab, including hardware and software systems.
• Integrate automation technologies into workflows with an emphasis on throughput and reproducibility.
• Synthesize and analyze data from automated experiments to inform iterative workflow improvements.
• Collaborate 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.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing or recently completed an 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.
• Successful background check.

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 a Family Concierge Team for childcare navigation.
• Fitness center access.

Perks & Growth Opportunities

• Competitive compensation.
• 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.

Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Position Type: Part-time (20 hours/week), Fixed Term, Hourly