Research Associate - Mellon College of Science - Biological Sciences

Research Associate I

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.

The Ransey Lab within our Biological Sciences department seeks a Research Associate I to support a combination of laboratory administrative management and computational research management. The RA1 will contribute to daily lab organization, purchasing and expense documentation, sample and reagent management, data organization, and computational processing of experimental datasets. In addition, this role helps develop and maintain workflows for data handling, storage, analysis, and documentation in support of ongoing studies of gap junction biology and intercellular communication.

Core Responsibilities

• Complete and file purchasing card reports, invoices, receipts, reimbursements, and other routine administrative documentation related to laboratory operations.
• Coordinate with the principal investigator and lab members to maintain efficient systems for tracking laboratory purchases, supplies, expenses, and shared operational records.
• Work with lab members to develop programmatic pipelines for efficient experimental data management, organization, storage, processing, and analysis.
• Build, test, and maintain computational workflows that support data handling and analysis across ongoing lab projects.
• Develop standard operating procedures and user-facing documentation for lab-specific computational tools, data management systems, and analysis workflows.
• Train and support lab members in the use of computational pipelines, shared data storage systems, and lab-specific analysis tools.
• Assist with evaluating, testing, and implementing new computational tools related to protein engineering, molecular modeling, image analysis, flow cytometry analysis, and other research needs.
• Initiate and carry out computational pilot projects, as appropriate, to explore new analysis methods, software tools, or modeling approaches that support the lab's research program.
• Document computational workflows, troubleshooting steps, and best practices to promote reproducibility, continuity, and effective knowledge transfer within the lab.

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 required.
• 1-3 years of research experience required.
• Experience working in a biological research laboratory is required. Applicants should be comfortable with basic lab organization, reagent/sample handling, record keeping, and following established protocols.
• Experience with data processing, coding, or computational analysis is preferred, but training can be provided for lab-specific workflows.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, reasoning and communication skills.
• 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 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…