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Research Assistant - College of Engineering - Department of Chemical Engineering

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PAFull-time / TemporarySeen 1 day agoSeen in employer's feed 1 day ago

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At a glance

Compensation
No compensation found
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Role Type
Research
Schedule
Full-time / Temporary
Work Authorization
Not specified

Olive focuses on jobs in the United States, including remote roles you can work from there.

Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Associate's degree, required

Job overview

Carnegie Mellon University seeks a full-time Research Assistant for an industry-sponsored project studying oil imbibition into aqueous foams. The assistant will observe and document phenomena, prepare samples, conduct microscopy and image analysis, and report findings to the research team. The position is intended to provide preparation for future industrial roles or graduate study in a STEM field.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Observational Skills, requiredAttention to Detail, requiredDigital Image Analysis, requiredExperimental Interpretation, requiredVerbal Communication, requiredWritten Communication, requiredIndependent Work, requiredCollaboration, required

Qualifications

Associate's Degree, requiredBachelor's Degree, nice to haveZero to One Year Relevant Experience, nice to haveBackground Check, required

Benefits

Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Match
Tuition Assistance
Paid Time Off

Full job description

Pittsburgh, PA

Full time

2025345

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!

Since its inception in 1905, the Carnegie Mellon Department of Chemical Engineering has been on the leading edge of research and innovation in chemical engineering. Today, this is truer than ever. With research thrusts across fields such as health and medicine, biofuels, air quality and more, CMU chemical engineering students are paving the way to a healthier, cleaner, and more efficient future for all.

Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a full-time Research Assistant to support an industry-sponsored project investigating the fundamental mechanisms and applications of oil imbibition into aqueous foams. The role requires careful observation and documentation of previously unrecognized phenomena. Work will be performed primarily during regular business hours. This position provides excellent preparation for future industrial roles or graduate study in a STEM field.

Responsibilities:

  • Prepare samples.

  • Conduct optical microscopy observations.

  • Perform digital image analysis.

  • Report findings during regular research team meetings.

  • Other tasks as assigned.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to 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:

  • Associate’s degree required; bachelor’s degree preferred.

  • Zero to one year of relevant experience.

  • Strong observational skills and careful attention to detail.

  • Ability to perform digital image analysis and accurately interpret experimental observations.

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.

  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of an international research team.

  • A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

  • Background check

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/eligibility/index.html) employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/health-welfare/index.html) as well as a generous retirement savings program (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/retirement-savings/index.html) with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/tuition/index.html) , take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/pto.html) and observed holidays (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/holidays.html) , 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 (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/work-life/support/family-child-care-resources/index.html) to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access (https://athletics.cmu.edu/recreation/facilities) , and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/index.html) .

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

Hourly

More Information:

Interested in a career with Carnegie Mellon University but not finding anything that currently aligns with your interests, background, or experience? Learn how to sign up for Job Alerts (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/external-applicants.html#job-alerts) through your candidate profile.

If your heart is in your work, come work with us. Carnegie Mellon University isn’t just one of the world’s most renowned educational institutions – it’s also a hotspot for some of the most talented doers, dreamers, and difference-makers on the planet. When you join our staff, you’ll become an important part of our mission to create a healthier, safer, and more just life for all. No matter what your role or location, you’ll connect and collaborate with dedicated, passionate colleagues – and you’ll have the satisfaction of delivering work that truly matters.

We cultivate a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute and achieve. In addition to competitive benefits and a robust support network, you’ll have access to many tools and resources to sharpen your abilities and professional skills, as well as opportunities to engage and share perspectives with a dynamic and inspiring community of uniquely talented staff, faculty, students, and alumni.

The future is awaiting your expertise and intellect. Come join the architects of what’s next. Apply now.

Learn more about Student Employment (https://www.cmu.edu/sfs/student-employment/index.html) .

Please see Faculty Careers. (https://www.cmu.edu/faculty-office/faculty-recruitment/faculty-careers.html)

For technical assistance, email HR Services ([email protected]) or call 412-268-4600.

We are committed to providing an accessible experience throughout our recruitment process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application, interview, or hiring process, please contact Equal Opportunity Services by email at [email protected] or by phone at 412-268-5072.

Prospective Employee Disclosures (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/disclosures/index.html)

How this job compares

Set against the 647 open Research Assistant jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 15, 2026.

Pay
  • This postingNot listed
  • US median$47–60K/yr77 salary ranges
  • Pennsylvania median$15–16/hr53 hourly ranges
Openings
Olive Jobs lists 179 open Research Assistant jobs in Pennsylvania and 647 across the US. 4% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
Hiring the most in Pennsylvania
Experience
Research Assistant postings that state a minimum ask for 1 year of experience at the median; the middle half ask for 1 to 2 years (153 postings).
Education
This posting asks for an associate degree; 199 of the 647 open Research Assistant jobs (31%) ask for an associate degree or higher.

Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 15, 2026. Figures based on too few postings are left out.

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