Postdoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Department of Mechanical 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!

Innovation. Interdisciplinary collaboration. Complex problem solving. In Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, 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.

Carnegie Mellon University’s department of Mechanical Engineering is searching for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join their team.  This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment. You will contribute to the department by providing support by working with novel, biodegradable actuators, and electronics to create new soft robotic platforms and will create open-source resources for manufacturing biodegradable robot components using sustainable materials. You will help mentor and guide junior trainees in related areas and assist in the management of resources and equipment used in sustainable robotics research and such other tasks that are assigned to you.

Core Responsibilities:

• Identification of new materials and manufacturing methods for use in sustainable robotics
• Design fabrication and testing of gelatin and alginate-based biodegradable robots.
• Characterization of biodegradability of candidate materials
• Mechanical testing of candidate biodegradable materials
• Analysis and interpretation of data
• Technical communication in manuscripts, presentations, and posters
• Mentoring junior trainees
• Assisting in the management of lab resources related to sustainable robotics.
• Generation of Open-Science resources related to working with materials being researched.
• Creation of tutorials for working with related materials
• Electrical characterization of biodegradable and recyclable electronics

Inclusion and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of diverse audiences. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• Post-Doctorate Degree
• At least 1 year of related research with gelatin-based materials.
• At least one year of experience working with coagulated gelatin-based materials.
• Experience with mechanical testing of biodegradable materials
• Experience with silver-flake-based soft electronics.
• Experience with crosslinking using natural sugar-based reagents.
• Background in soft robotics for mobile applications
• 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 available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse 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!

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