Research Associate - Mellon College of Science - Biological Sciences Department

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University seeks a full-time Research Associate to support research in the biological sciences. The position entails molecular biology, cell culture techniques, and data analysis, contributing to projects on gap junctions. Ideal candidates will possess a relevant degree and coding skills with opportunities for innovative contributions in a collaborative lab environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance

Generous retirement savings program

Tuition benefits

Paid time off and observed holidays

Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass

Access to Family Concierge Team for childcare needs

Fitness center access

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with molecular biology and cell-based assays.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Python, R, or MATLAB.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular biology and cell culture techniques, including cloning and western blotting.
• Support and troubleshoot microscopy and flow cytometry.
• Organize and maintain lab documentation and experimental data analysis.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Cell culture techniques

Scientific coding

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, or a related field

Tools

Python

R

MATLAB

ImageJ/Fiji

FlowJo

Job description

Research Associate - Mellon College of Science - Biological Sciences Department

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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 Ransey Lab investigates the diverse functions and regulation of gap junctions—intercellular channels essential for direct communication, metabolic exchange, and stress responses between cells. We focus on the unique properties of connexin isoforms and their interactions to understand how this dynamic network contributes to health and disease. Using high-throughput assays, high-resolution imaging, molecular modeling, and structure–function analyses, our goal is to uncover fundamental mechanisms and inform therapeutic strategies for conditions such as neurodegenerative disorders and cancer.

The Ransey Lab at Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a full-time Research Associate with strong bench skills and coding proficiency to support our research into the biology of gap junctions. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to innovative projects at the intersection of molecular biology, imaging, structural modeling, and computational analysis.

Core Responsibilities:

• Perform molecular biology and cell culture techniques, including cloning, transfection, western blotting, and fluorescence-based assays.
• Support and troubleshoot super-resolution microscopy and flow cytometry workflows.
• Conduct molecular modeling and structural analysis of connexin proteins using computational tools.
• Analyze experimental data using Python, R, or MATLAB, including custom image or signal processing pipelines Organize and maintain lab documentation, inventory, and protocols.
• Collaborate with trainees to support shared projects and contribute to figure generation and data interpretation.
  
  

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 or Master’s degree in Biology, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, or a related field Hands-on experience with molecular biology and cell-based assays
• Demonstrated proficiency in scientific coding (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB) Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with microscopy and image analysis (e.g., ImageJ/Fiji, CellPose)
• Experience working with flow cytometry data (e.g., FlowJo, CytoBank, or computational pipelines) Experience with molecular modeling software (e.g., PyMOL, Chimera, Rosetta, AlphaFold)
• Interest in long-term involvement or future graduate study in biomedical sciences
  
  

Requirements:

• Successful background check
  
  

Additional Information:

Please include a CV, a brief cover letter describing your background and interests, and contact information for two references when submitting your application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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 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 – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Hourly

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.
• Statement of Assurance

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Higher Education

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