Postdoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Department of Mechanical Engineering

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

69d

About The Position

Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead data collection and analysis for two mobile air-toxic VOC sampling campaigns. The projects involve mobile measurements in cities in New Jersey and rural communities in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. The measurements will quantify exposures in urban and suburban communities and in rural communities affected by oil and gas development; both project areas include environmental justice communities.

The research uses high-resolution mass spectrometry and in-motion sampling to produce chemically specific, spatially resolved data for quantifying pollutant exposures and identifying their sources. The successful candidate will work with complex datasets and may engage with the wider Mechanical Engineering community and the Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies (CAPS), an interdisciplinary research community focused on air quality and atmospheric chemistry.

The role includes participation in field campaigns, maintenance of the CMU mobile laboratory and its instruments, and communication with community stakeholders and collaborators. The candidate may also mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate students, with details to be discussed with the PI. The position involves work in an office and laboratory as well as field campaigns using the mobile laboratory.

Requirements

• PhD in Mechanical, Chemical, or Civil Engineering; Chemistry; Atmospheric or Environmental Science; or a related discipline.
• 0–1 years of experience.
• Experience with ambient or laboratory atmospheric measurements.
• Knowledge of analytical software tools such as Python, R, Matlab, or Igor.
• Experience with mass spectrometry.
• Scientific communication and publication experience.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Participate in mobile sampling campaigns in urban and rural locations.
• Maintain the CMU mobile laboratory and the instruments in it.
• Coordinate with community stakeholders and collaborators and communicate results to them.
• Analyze pollutant spatial patterns and determine sources that affect communities and create pollution hotspots.
• Mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate students, as discussed with the PI.
• Perform other project-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Tuition benefits.
• Paid time off and observed holidays.
• Life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
• Access to a Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs.
• Fitness center access.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree