Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania
Postdoctoral research associate jobs in Pennsylvania are concentrated in life sciences, biomedical research, materials science, and computational neuroscience, with the state ranking among the most active markets in the country for early-career research talent. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and State College are the primary hiring hubs, anchored by institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, and Penn State University. The most in-demand specialties right now are cancer biology, drug discovery, and machine learning applications in research. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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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!
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. In this role, you will work in the applied nanotechnology lab, assisting in the development and execution of research projects related to the production and characterization of multivalent DNA origami nanosensors. This role requires analysis of data collected and summarizing experiment results and such other tasks that are assigned to you.
Your core responsibilities will include:
- Leads lab activities related to cloning and/or synthesis of nucleic acid nanotechnology.
- Designs and validates the performance of molecular sensing circuits.
- Designs and carries out experiments in BSL2 lab space.
- Performs quantitative analyses and generates data-rich visualizations from data.
- Demonstrates ability to perform multidisciplinary research.
- Develops SOPs for critical activities and trains lab members on their performance.
- Possess strong verbal and written communication skills and a passion for research.
- Possesses an eagerness to learn new techniques and lead projects independently.
- Other tasks as assigned.
Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to 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:
- Ph.D. in Engineering, Computational Biology, Biophysics, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics or related field.
- Laboratory expertise in DNA nanotechnology and/or molecular programming. Strong skills in analytical chemistry are a plus.
- 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 all full-time Carnegie Mellon University employees. Experience the full spectrum of advantages, from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to enticing retirement savings programs. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, and take well-deserved breaks with generous paid time off and holidays. Rest easy knowing you're covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. For a comprehensive overview of the benefits awaiting you, explore: https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/benefits-at-a-glance .
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role & responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique key skills and the diverse perspectives you bring. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive
work environment means we also account for geographic differentials. 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 this exciting opportunity?! Apply today!
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, PAJob Function
Pre/Post-Doctoral Associates & FellowsPosition Type
Postdoctoral Associate / Fellow (Fixed Term)Full Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
SalarySee All 24 Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania
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Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Postdoctoral Research Associate Job Market in Pennsylvania
A snapshot from current Pennsylvania openings, updated as new roles post.
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What Pennsylvania Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in postdoctoral research associate jobs across Pennsylvania.
- PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline required or expected upon start
- Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publication in a related research area
- Hands-on experience with laboratory techniques, data analysis tools, or computational methods relevant to the position
- Ability to work independently and contribute to collaborative research projects and grant proposals
- Strong written and oral communication skills for presenting findings and preparing manuscripts
- Experience with grant-funded research environments, including compliance with institutional review processes
Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a postdoctoral research associate in Pennsylvania?
You become a postdoctoral research associate in Pennsylvania by completing a doctoral degree and applying directly to posted positions at universities, medical centers, or research institutes. Pennsylvania does not require a state-issued license for this role. Most positions are secured through faculty contacts, institutional postdoc office listings, or direct applications to research groups at institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon, Temple University, or the University of Pittsburgh.
Which companies hire postdoctoral research associates in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania postdoctoral research associate roles are posted by Carnegie Mellon University, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Villanova University and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Pennsylvania's deep concentration of research universities, academic medical centers, and pharmaceutical companies along the I-95 corridor means postdoc openings appear consistently throughout the year.
Which Pennsylvania cities have the most postdoctoral research associate jobs?
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Villanova have the most postdoctoral research associate openings in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia leads because of its cluster of major research universities and health systems, Pittsburgh draws heavily from Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh's strong science and engineering programs, and State College reflects Penn State's substantial federally funded research portfolio.
Are there remote postdoctoral research associate jobs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but they're rare. About 20% of postdoctoral research associate openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, since most positions require hands-on laboratory work or on-site collaboration. The portions of the role most likely to be performed remotely are computational analysis, manuscript preparation, and data modeling work within primarily dry-lab or bioinformatics-focused research groups.
How can I get hired as a postdoctoral research associate in Pennsylvania with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing your doctoral dissertation and reaching out to principal investigators directly before your degree is conferred. Many large Pennsylvania research institutions, including the University of Pittsburgh, Thomas Jefferson University, and the Wistar Institute in Philadelphia, host postdoctoral office programs that match new doctoral graduates with available research groups. Lateral moves from graduate research assistant, laboratory technician, or clinical research coordinator roles are also common entry points, and a strong publication record or conference presentation gives candidates a concrete edge.
Where can I find and apply to postdoctoral research associate jobs in Pennsylvania?
You can find and apply to postdoctoral research associate jobs in Pennsylvania on Migrate Mate, which lists current Pennsylvania openings across research institutions, universities, medical centers, and industry labs. Search the listings to find roles that match your research background and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 24 Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania
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