Research Assistant Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA
Research assistant jobs in Pittsburgh are concentrated in Oakland, Shadyside, and the Strip District, driven by the city's dense cluster of universities, medical centers, and technology research institutions. Employers actively hiring include Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh. 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!
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 Research Assistant 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 on a combination of technology and biology and such other tasks that are assigned to you.
Responsibilities:
- Performing research experiments following experimental protocol and procedures.
- Researching and documenting information by compiling and maintaining accurate and detailed records.
- Summarizing statistical information for analysis, examination or presentation.
- Identifying problems and obstacles to progress; developing strategies to solve problems.
- 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
- High School Diploma/GED; bachelor’s degree preferred
- A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
Requirements
- Successful 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 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 – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
Full Time/Part time
Part time
Pay Basis
Hourly
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Who's Hiring


Top Industries Hiring
- Education
Research Assistant Jobs in Pittsburgh: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a research assistant job in Pittsburgh?
The strongest entry points in Pittsburgh are its academic medical centers, university research programs, and technology-focused think tanks clustered in Oakland and Shadyside. Candidates with hands-on lab experience, data analysis skills, or a background in life sciences, behavioral research, or engineering stand out most. Applying directly through institutional hiring portals and networking within Pittsburgh's tight-knit research community gives a measurable edge over general applications.
Which companies hire research assistants in Pittsburgh?
Companies currently hiring research assistants in Pittsburgh include Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Pittsburgh's hiring landscape skews heavily toward academic institutions, hospital systems, and federally funded research labs, alongside a growing number of AI and robotics firms based in the East End.
Are there remote research assistant jobs in Pittsburgh?
Yes, though availability depends heavily on the role type. Desk-based and analytical research positions are far more remote-friendly than hands-on lab or clinical roles, which typically require on-site presence. About 50% of research assistant openings tied to Pittsburgh are remote or hybrid as of August 2026. Survey research, literature review, and data-coding positions are the most commonly offered in a remote or hybrid format locally.
How can I get a research assistant job in Pittsburgh with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Pittsburgh is through volunteer or paid undergraduate research positions at the city's major universities in Oakland, which regularly place students into funded research roles. Local hospital systems and nonprofit research centers also hire entry-level coordinators and data entry assistants who can grow into full research assistant roles. Demonstrating familiarity with IRB protocols, basic statistical software, or clinical data systems gives candidates a concrete edge in Pittsburgh's research-heavy hiring environment.
Which industries hire the most research assistants in Pittsburgh?
The sectors hiring the most research assistants in Pittsburgh are Education, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Pittsburgh's historic concentration of world-class universities, teaching hospitals, and federally funded robotics and AI research programs makes it one of the densest markets for research assistant roles in the mid-Atlantic and Midwest region.
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