Research Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA
Research jobs in Pittsburgh are concentrated in Oakland, the South Side, and Uptown, where universities, medical centers, and technology firms generate steady demand for research professionals. Active sectors include life sciences, robotics, and materials science, with openings at Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh, and UPMC. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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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 Software and Societal Systems (S3D) department within the School of Computer Science explores the vital intersection of the confluence of software, systems, and society to understand how computational technologies might better serve humanity. We are studying the bigger picture of computing in context in order to develop tools, policies, methods, and much more — all in the name of making the world a safer, more equitable, better place to call home.
S3D has a position for a UX/UI Researcher to join a new interdisciplinary project focused on the development and evaluation of Privacy Technology for Smart Cities. This position can be a particularly good match for someone who has recently obtained their master’s degree in HCI or some closely related area (e.g. Design). The project builds on the Internet of Things Privacy Infrastructure developed by Prof. Norman Sadeh and involves developing, piloting and refining extensions of this technology in collaboration with the City of Long Beach. Today the infrastructure already hosts over 100,000 IoT resource descriptions and the IoT Assistant app has been downloaded by tens of thousands of users. The project involves deployment in the City of Long Beach as well as the design and piloting of new functionality, including GenAI functionality.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Actual work is to involve a mix of conceptual design, development, and empirical evaluation with actual end users in Long Beach, California
- Work closely with the principal investigator
- Working under limited supervision
- Will be opportunities to contribute to research publications
- 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
- Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred
- 1-3 years of experience required
- Strong UX/UI design skills as well as ideally some front-end development experience; some prior mobile app development experience would be particularly relevant
- Experience in user-centered design is a must. Preference will be given to candidates who have an interest in usable privacy and security
- Experience collaborating with others in the context of large-scale research and software projects
- Strong communication, organization, problem-solving and reasoning skills
- A combination of education and proven experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered
REQUIREMENTS
- Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
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
Researchers
POSITION TYPE
Staff – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
FULL TIME/PART TIME
Full time
PAY BASIS
Salary
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Find Research JobsResearch Job Market in Pittsburgh
Who's Hiring
- Carnegie Mellon University62

- University of Pittsburgh48

- UPMC11

- Allegheny Health Network8

- PNC Financial Services3

Top Industries Hiring
- Education32
- Healthcare & Medical Services5
- Technology & Software4
- Automotive3
- Banking & Financial Services1
Research Jobs in Pittsburgh: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a research job in Pittsburgh?
Target Pittsburgh's dense research corridor in Oakland, where academic medical centers, university-affiliated labs, and robotics and AI firms concentrate most openings. Candidates who gain hands-on experience through Pittsburgh's strong co-op and lab assistant pipelines stand out. Familiarity with grant-funded project cycles and interdisciplinary team environments is a practical edge in this market, where life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and computing research drive the most consistent hiring.
Which companies hire researchs in Pittsburgh?
Employers hiring researchs in Pittsburgh right now include Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh, and UPMC, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Pittsburgh's research employer base is unusually broad, mixing large academic medical systems, federally funded national laboratories, and venture-backed deep-tech startups concentrated in Oakland and the East End.
Are there remote research jobs in Pittsburgh?
Yes, but only for desk-based and analytical roles. Hands-on laboratory, clinical, or field research positions almost always require an on-site presence. About 12% of research openings tied to Pittsburgh are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with remote work most common in data analysis, literature review, and grant writing functions rather than experimental or specimen-handling work.
How can I get a research job in Pittsburgh with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Pittsburgh is a research coordinator or lab assistant role at one of Oakland's academic medical centers or university departments, where entry-level positions are regularly posted and structured onboarding is common. Pittsburgh's strong co-op culture also means local employers are accustomed to candidates with project-based rather than full-time experience. Highlighting any Pittsburgh-area internship, capstone project, or volunteer lab work sharpens a thin resume for local hiring managers.
Which industries hire the most researchs in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh research roles concentrate in Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Technology & Software, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Pittsburgh's legacy as a center for steel and manufacturing has evolved into deep institutional investment in robotics, materials science, and biomedical research, making those sectors the primary engines of local research hiring.
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