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 Taylor 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.  The candidate will be able to design and synthesize DNA origami nanostructures, perform cell culture and use DNA origami in cell delivery and biomechanics applications, and such other tasks that are assigned to you.

The Microsystems and Mechanobiology research laboratory of Professor Taylor, is a highly collaborative and enthusiastic group, dedicated to the development of micro and nanoscale mechanical systems. This innovative research laboratory is developing DNA nanotechnologies for applications in cellular communications, mechanosensing, nanorobotics and targeted delivery.

Core responsibilities include:

• Designing, synthesizing and characterizing a variety of nanostructures or use in studies of cellular uptake and gene expression.

• Performing initial cell culture studies and support studies that involve delivery of DNA origami to cells.

• Collaborating effectively to provide nanostructures to team who will perform in vitro characterization using primary cells.

• Coordinating activities of graduate student team and collaborators in order to meet regular goals for deliverables.

• Communicating findings in weekly meetings, at conferences, and in journal publications.

• Supporting cell culture efforts as needed to ensure that supplies are on hand and equipment service is up to date.

• Preparing regular grant update reports.

• Assisting with grant proposal preparation.

• Supervising and training graduate students and undergraduate researchers as needed.

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree required. Ph.D. in any relevant STEM field such as Bioengineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics is preferred.

• Experimental research experience required in cellular bioengineering and DNA nanotechnology

• Strong verbal and written communication skills and a passion for research are required.

• Mammalian cell culture experience is required

• Fluorescent staining (immunohistochemistry) and fluorescence microscopy experience is required.

• Expertise in cellular biomechanics assays such as micropipette aspiration is highly desirable.

• Must possess an eagerness to learn new techniques and lead projects independently.

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.

Are you interested in this opportunity? Please apply!

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More Information: 

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon ” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. 

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• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. 

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