Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA
Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs in Pittsburgh are concentrated in Oakland, Shadyside, and the South Side Flats, driven by the city's dense research university ecosystem, medical centers, and federally funded science programs. Employers actively hiring include Carnegie Mellon University. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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INTRODUCTION
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 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) ranks among the best in the country. Our research programs are at the forefront of the technologies that have changed the world we live in. Our interdisciplinary approach to education and research allows faculty and students across the university and beyond to collaborate on problems that have a significant impact on the world around us.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate that will contribute to cutting-edge research in the design, fabrication, and testing of integrated photonic devices for applications in quantum interfaces and sensing. The role provides the opportunity to work within a large, interdisciplinary research team at the forefront of photonics and quantum technologies.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct research on integrated photonics for quantum technologies
- Collaborate with a diverse, interdisciplinary team
- Mentor and supervise graduate students in the research group
- Contribute to publications, presentations, and project deliverables
- Participate in meetings as needed
- Other 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
- PhD required
- Demonstrated experience in:
- Design of integrated photonic devices
- Linear and nonlinear photonic device testing
- Finite element analysis (FEA)
- Micro- and nano-fabrication
- Knowledge in quantum optics/physics is a strong plus
- A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
BENEFITS
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
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Top Industries Hiring
- Education
Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Pittsburgh: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a postdoctoral research associate job in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh's postdoctoral market centers on Oakland, home to major research universities and one of the largest medical research corridors in the mid-Atlantic region. Candidates with a completed doctoral degree in life sciences, engineering, computational fields, or materials science have the strongest footing. Reaching out directly to principal investigators at Pittsburgh's universities and hospital systems, and attending local scientific conferences, gives applicants a meaningful edge over cold applications alone.
Which companies hire postdoctoral research associates in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh postdoctoral research associate roles are posted by Carnegie Mellon University and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Hiring in Pittsburgh comes largely from research universities, academic medical centers, federally sponsored research institutes, and technology-focused R&D groups embedded in the region's growing robotics and biotech sectors.
Are there remote postdoctoral research associate jobs in Pittsburgh?
Remote postdoctoral research associate work is uncommon, since most roles require hands-on laboratory or clinical work. About 0% of postdoctoral research associate openings tied to Pittsburgh are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those tend to involve computational research, data analysis, or bioinformatics rather than bench science. Pittsburgh's strongest remote-eligible niche is in machine learning and health data research.
How can I get a postdoctoral research associate job in Pittsburgh with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Pittsburgh is a formal postdoctoral fellowship, many of which are offered through Oakland-based research universities and hospital systems that recruit candidates immediately after doctoral degree completion. Research assistant or junior scientist roles at Pittsburgh's biotech startups and university-affiliated research centers serve as a strong lateral move. Presenting at Pittsburgh-area scientific symposia and connecting with faculty mentors directly often opens doors before formal postings appear.
Which industries hire the most postdoctoral research associates in Pittsburgh?
Most postdoctoral research associate openings in Pittsburgh sit in Education, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Pittsburgh's historic investment in robotics, regenerative medicine, and materials science, anchored by its major research institutions and Carnegie Mellon University's engineering programs, keeps demand for postdoctoral talent consistently high across those fields.
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