Research Associate

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!

The Mellon College of Science (MCS) is home to four departments and many programs and research centers that cross disciplines. We approach scientific problems from fresh angles using creative interdisciplinary approaches while drawing on our departmental strengths in the core sciences. MCS faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized for their research in a variety of fields, including polymer science, cosmology, mathematical finance, and neuroscience.

Our Biological Sciences department is seeking a Research Associate to join the team! In this role, you will support biology research projects involving molecular biology, cell biology, genomics, transcriptomics, and computational biology. This position will contribute to both wet-lab experimental workflows and bioinformatics analysis of high-throughput sequencing datasets

Core Responsibilities

• Perform molecular biology and genomics-related laboratory procedures according to established protocols, including sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, PCR-based assays, protein assays, cell culture support, bacterial culture, plasmid preparation, and related experimental workflows.
• Assist with animal and tissue-based research workflows, including mouse model support, mouse dissection, tissue collection, sample labeling and storage, and coordination of downstream molecular assays.
• Process, analyze, and interpret high-throughput sequencing datasets, including RNA-seq, Ribo-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, and ATAC-seq data.
• Build, execute, and maintain reproducible computational workflows for quality control, read alignment, differential expression analysis, and data visualization.
• Generate figures, tables, written summaries, and presentation materials for laboratory meetings, research reports.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental procedures, sequencing datasets, analysis scripts, computational results, and project documentation.
• Communicate research progress, technical issues, and analysis results clearly to supervisors and collaborators.
• Collaborate with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and other laboratory staff on interdisciplinary research projects.
• Support sequencing analysis related to gene expression and translational regulation.
• Analyze single-cell datasets to characterize cell populations and disease-related features.
• Develop and maintain reproducible analysis pipeline using R and Python.
• Use bioinformatics tools and computing environments such as IGV, Linux/Unix, and related software.

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:

• Bachelor’s degree in Bioinformatics, Quantitative Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• 1-3 years of research experience in a laboratory in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, or related biology research.
• Research experience involving wet-lab molecular biology, cell biology techniques and bioinformatics analysis of high-throughput sequencing data, such as RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, Ribo-seq, ATAC-seq, or alternative splicing analysis.
• Training or certification in laboratory safety, biosafety, and animal research is preferred.
• A combination of education and proven experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check

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 insuranceas 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

Researchers

Position Type

Staff – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Part time

Pay Basis

Hourly

More Information: