Postdoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Materials Science and 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!

As one of the oldest forms of applied science and engineering, Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Metallurgical Engineering was founded in 1906 and named after its emphasis on the study of metals. Since then, our field has broadened to include all classes of materials from ceramics and polymers to semiconductors and biological materials. Whereas early eras of civilization were widely identified by human’s ability to work with new material (Stone Age, Bronze Age), today our abilities and projects span a variety of materials and combine everything from physics and chemistry to civil and electrical engineering.

Carnegie Mellon University’s department of Materials Science and Engineering is searching for a Postdoctoral researcher to work on the development of flexible biosensor and chemical actuator arrays in the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU).  This is a collaborative position under the primary oversight of Dr.  Cohen-Karni, director of the CMU Hybrid-Nanomaterials and Nano-Bioelectronics Group. The postdoctoral researcher will also collaborate with team members at Georgia Tech (Dr.  Josiah Hester), Northwestern (Dr.  Jonathan Rivne), UC Berkeley (Dr. Rikky Muller) and Rice University (Dr. Omid Voise).

We are currently working on integrated multidisciplinary research to develop cutting edge science and technologies to enhance bioelectrical devices functionality, performance, and longevity.  We will be using unconventional approaches for the design and fabrication of bioelectrical platforms with clinical translation as the ultimate goal. Using unique bioelectrical (physical and chemical) sensors and actuators will allow us to tackle grand biomedical challenges such as disease progression monitoring, controlled therapeutics delivery.

Position start date is September 1, 2025

Mentorship and Training Opportunities:

• Work with PIs to make a mentoring plan and individual development plan (IDP).
• Have the opportunity to publish interdisciplinary work with a diverse team at top venues.
• Have the opportunity to present your work to a broad network in academia, national labs, and funding agencies.
• Have the opportunity to mentor highly capable graduate and undergraduate students.
• Have the opportunity to participate in professional development programming through the CMU Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs and The Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence and Educational Innovation

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:

• Doctorate in Materials Science and Engineering on topics related to materials printing, (implanted) bioelectronics, electrocatalysis and/or electrochemistry, or biosensing required.
• Coursework in electrochemistry, bioelectronics or biosensing required.
• Experience with chemical wet lab work required.
• Experience with in vivo experimentation required.
• Experience programming in MATLAB and/or Python desired.
• Experience with SEM/TEM/Raman/XPS/XRD desired.
• Experience with immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence is desired.
• A strong publication record in relevant journals, excellent verbal and written English communication skills, and an ability to work effectively with others required.
• The ability to work well in a self-paced, independent manner, while working well in cooperation with team members and partners required.
• A commitment to meet research project deadlines required.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

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, PA

Job Function

Pre/Post-Doctoral Associates & Fellows

Position Type

Postdoctoral Associate / Fellow (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: