Research Associate - Mellon College of Science - Biological Sciences

Carnegie Mellon University•Pittsburgh, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mellon College of Science (MCS) at Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a Research Associate I to support laboratory administrative management and computational research management within the Ransey Lab in the Biological Sciences department. This role will contribute to daily lab organization, purchasing and expense documentation, sample and reagent management, data organization, and computational processing of experimental datasets. The RA1 will also help develop and maintain workflows for data handling, storage, analysis, and documentation to support ongoing studies of gap junction biology and intercellular communication.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
1-3 years of research experience required.
Experience working in a biological research laboratory is required.
Applicants should be comfortable with basic lab organization, reagent/sample handling, record keeping, and following established protocols.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, reasoning and communication skills.
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Nice To Haves

Experience with data processing, coding, or computational analysis is preferred, but training can be provided for lab-specific workflows.
A combination of education and proven experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Responsibilities

Complete and file purchasing card reports, invoices, receipts, reimbursements, and other routine administrative documentation related to laboratory operations.
Coordinate with the principal investigator and lab members to maintain efficient systems for tracking laboratory purchases, supplies, expenses, and shared operational records.
Work with lab members to develop programmatic pipelines for efficient experimental data management, organization, storage, processing, and analysis.
Build, test, and maintain computational workflows that support data handling and analysis across ongoing lab projects.
Develop standard operating procedures and user-facing documentation for lab-specific computational tools, data management systems, and analysis workflows.
Train and support lab members in the use of computational pipelines, shared data storage systems, and lab-specific analysis tools.
Assist with evaluating, testing, and implementing new computational tools related to protein engineering, molecular modeling, image analysis, flow cytometry analysis, and other research needs.
Initiate and carry out computational pilot projects, as appropriate, to explore new analysis methods, software tools, or modeling approaches that support the lab’s research program.
Document computational workflows, troubleshooting steps, and best practices to promote reproducibility, continuity, and effective knowledge transfer within the lab.