In Carnegie Mellon University's Department of Mechanical Engineering (MechE), faculty members, researchers, and students are revolutionizing focus areas in advanced manufacturing, bioengineering, computational engineering, energy and the environment, product design, and robotics. In addition, they are using their expertise in interdisciplinary research centers across the university.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Webster-Wood lab in Mechanical Engineering. In this role, you will carry out advanced independent and/or directed research to achieve the objectives of the research project. This position will require an in depth knowledge of a specialized field, process, subject area and may involve coordinating and implementing sophisticated research plans, the development of methods of research, testing and data collection, analysis and evaluation, and writing reports which contain descriptive, analytical and evaluative content. You will acquire the professional skills needed to pursue a career path of your choosing. You will work on integrated biohybrid actuators the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). This is a collaborative position under the primary oversight of Dr. Webster-Wood, director of the CMU Biohybrid and Organic Robotics Group (B.O.R.G.), and in collaboration with the Hybrid-Nanomaterials and Nano-Bioelectronics, Regenerative Biomaterials and Therapeutics Group, and the Morphing Matter Lab. You will also be able to collaborate with team members at Georgia Tech, Northwestern, as well as DoE and DoD Labs. We are currently working on integrated multidisciplinary research to understand the effects of synthetic scaffolds, life-support systems, electro- and photo-neuromuscular interfaces, and local feedback control systems on biohybrid actuator performance, adaptability, and longevity. Building this fundamental understanding will help seed future research initiatives on using biohybrid actuators toward DoD goals in soft robotics. Additionally, this collaboration builds a network of stakeholders at academic institutions, DoD labs, and DoE labs to enhance research outcomes, share fabrication systems, co-develop biohybrid actuator research priorities, and create workforce pipelines through personnel exchanges.

Core responsibilities include:

• Conduct bioprinting and cell culture

• Conduct immunofluorescent and functional assessment of tissues

• Create and/or run necessary software for data analysis

• Isolate primary cells from embryonic chicken sources

• Manage a small team of student researchers

• Design experiments

• Contribute to management of cell culture inventory and equipment

• Publish and present in relevant scientific venues

Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or Materials Science and Engineering

• Experience on topics related to bioprinting, biomaterials, neural organoid culture, or skeletal muscle tissue engineering is required.

• Coursework in biomaterials and tissue engineering is required.

• Experience with biological wet lab work is required.

• Experience programming in Matlab and/or Python is desired.

• Experience with primary cell isolation is desired.

• Experience with immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence is desired.

• Familiarity with characterization tools such as SEM and confocal microscopy is highly desired.

• A strong publication record in relevant journals, excellent verbal and written English communication skills, and an ability to work effectively with others is required.

• The ability to work well in a self-paced, independent manner, while working well in cooperation with team members and partners is required.

Are you interested in this opportunity? Please apply!

Flexibility, partnership, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued proficiencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to optimally work well with a dynamic population of partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the university through their work.

CMU’s COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: As a condition of employment, Carnegie Mellon University requires all staff and faculty working in the United States to be fully vaccinated, including a booster when eligible, against COVID-19. Prior to commencement of employment, new hires in the United States must provide proof of vaccination or obtain an approved exemption. (Exemptions may be requested for medical reasons or for religious or strong moral or ethical conviction.) Staff and faculty must comply with all applicable COVID-19 mitigation requirements. Please see Minimum Requirements to Return to Campus for details regarding the university’s current COVID-19 mitigation requirements.

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: 

• 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. 

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