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. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will contribute to the department by managing the day-to-day operation of our ASCENT site and taking the lead on regular calibrations and maintenance. This role will have wide freedom to investigate science questions that can be answered either with our ASCENT site or by looking across the entire network.

The ideal candidate is someone who wants the opportunity to apply innovative and creative approaches to analyzing large and complex datasets. The suite of ASCENT instruments provides a rich dataset at hourly time resolution. Learning how to synthesize the complementary data across the suite of instruments and across the network will be key next steps. The offline filter analysis involves method development and then interpretation of data from diverse locations around the world. Both projects offer the opportunity to work with novel datasets in creative ways. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to engage in the wider community in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and in CAPS. Members of CAPS are

recognized internationally as leaders in the study of air quality and atmospheric chemistry.

Core Responsibilities:

• Participate in the maintenance of the Pittsburgh ASCENT site, including instrument maintenance and calibration.
• Analysis of data from Pittsburgh and other ASCENT sites.
• Participation in ASCENT meetings and interaction with other ASCENT sites.
• Method development for the offline analysis of filter samples using either aerosol mass spectrometry or chemical ionization mass spectrometry.
• Analysis of PM speciation and sources from U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.
• The candidate will have the opportunity to mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate students.
• The candidate will work in an office and laboratory, with as-needed visits to the ASCENT field site
• Perform other project-related duties as assigned.

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:

• A PhD in Mechanical, Chemical, or Civil Engineering; Chemistry; Atmospheric or Environmental Science; or a related discipline
• 0-1 years of experience:
  • Experience with ambient or laboratory atmospheric measurements.
  • Knowledge of analytical software tools such as Python, R, Matlab, or Igor.
  • Experience with mass spectrometry
  • Scientific communication and publicationA combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• A valid driver’s license is preferred, but not required

More about ASCENT:

ASCENT provides unique opportunities to advance training and STEM engagement for early career researchers. Students and postdocs working in ASCENT have ample opportunities for collaboration, data sharing, and presentation. ASCENT early-career researchers are also included as leaders and key members on our internal committees for standard operating procedures, data analysis, and outreach.

50% of the effort will be dedicated to the ASCENT project. ASCENT (Atmospheric Science and Chemistry mEasurement NeTwork) is a new comprehensive, high-time-resolution, long-term measurement network in the U.S. for the characterization of aerosol chemical composition and physical properties. Carnegie Mellon hosts one of the ASCENT sites. Each site is equipped with a suite of advanced aerosol instrumentation for real-time measurements of fine aerosol chemical composition and properties: Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (ACSM, non- refractory aerosols), Xact (trace metals), Aethalometer (black/brown carbon), and Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS, aerosol number size distribution and concentration).

50% of the candidate’s effort will be to quantify PM2.5 composition from filter samples collected

at US Embassies around the world. We need to complete method development for the determination of PM composition either via nebulization of filter extracts into an aerosol mass spectrometer (similar to this recent paper) or via direct thermal desorption into a chemical ionization mass spectrometer. Once method development is complete, we will be able to analyze filter samples from over 20 locations worldwide to complement our ongoing measurements of black carbon from these locations.

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

Pre/Post-Doctoral Associates & Fellows

Position Type

Postdoctoral Associate / Fellow (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

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