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Postdoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Civil and Environmental Engineering

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 6 Aug 2026

About the role

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 Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Carnegie Mellon offers a unique interdisciplinary program that enables you to develop imaginative solutions to real-world engineering problems. With access to cutting-edge research and technology, high achieving, energetic - yet approachable - faculty, and an innovative and flexible curriculum, we consistently rank among the top engineering programs by US News and World Report.

The Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Carnegie Mellon is seeking a postdoctoral researcher.  Candidates must have experience using synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy for determining metal speciation in environmental samples (or similar matrices), and/or experience using synchrotron X-ray Fluorescence and XANES mapping (GeoPIXIE) to speciate metals in environmental and/or biological samples. Experience with mercury geochemistry, and working knowledge of other characterization methods for metals (e.g. XRD, XPS, ICP-MS, spICP-TOF-MS) are desirable. A demonstrated ability to publish research in high quality journals, meet deadlines, and write proposals is required. Effective English language oral and written communication are required.

Core Responsibilities:

  • Collect and analyze data, including periodical/literature search and utilizing specialized skills in related field to analyze the collected data.
  • Conduct research experiments within the predetermined research scope and methodology of department and university.
  • Lab maintenance, including equipment maintenance and ordering of supplies may be required depending on area and specialty.
  • Participate/assist in manuscript writing for publication in scientific journals and/or presentations.  May also assist in grant writing.
  • Performs 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:

  • PhD Required
  • 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.

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Company

Carnegie Mellon University

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