The Ray and Stephanie Lane Computational Biology Department (CBD) at Carnegie Mellon University is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to studying biological systems using computational methods. Faculty and researchers collaborate across fields such as computer science, biology, and statistics to tackle complex biological questions. Their work spans diverse areas including genomics, bioinformatics, systems biology, and computational neuroscience, driving innovation at the intersection of computation and life sciences.
CBD’s Automation Lab is seeking a Laboratory Assistant IV to keep the lab's automated platforms running reliably, ensure they produce high-quality, analysis-ready data, and help researchers and students get the most from them. This role will serve as the go-to expert for a variety of automation equipment including both standalone systems and an integrated system.
As the laboratory assistant, you are responsible for the safe and well-run operation of the lab. This includes overseeing lab safety, biosafety, waste handling and compliance with institutional requirements, and maintaining SOPs, maintenance logs, and calibration and quality control records. You manage service contracts, repairs and relationships with manufacturers, coordinate instrument bookings and user authorization, keep consumables and reagents stocked, and keep the space organized and ready for users and inspections.
Beyond keeping the equipment running, this position plays a central role in both research and education. You advise researchers on experimental design, protocols, instrument operation and data analysis, and support teaching by preparing for and assisting with laboratory course sessions and training students and new users. The role also looks ahead, evaluating new instruments and methods and contributing to the lab’s equipment planning.
Core Responsibilities
Equipment operation and maintenance
- Monitor the performance of laboratory automation equipment and carry out routine and preventive maintenance.
- Troubleshoot faults, liaise with manufacturers and service engineers, and keep downtime to a minimum.
- Maintain accurate records of maintenance, calibration, usage and consumables.
- Ensure equipment is used safely and in line with institutional health and safety requirements.
Data and computational integration
- Make sure data from automated instruments are captured with complete metadata and saved to the lab's shared storage.
- Work with the lab's computational staff so experiments produce data in the format they need.
- Maintain scripts and software settings that schedule instrument runs and handle routine data transfer.
- Support automated workflows designed by the computational team, including follow-up runs based on their analysis.
Training and user support
- Train new users on the safe and effective use of automation equipment, and assess their competence before granting independent access.
- Advise researchers on adapting protocols for automated workflows.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, user guides and training materials.
Teaching support
- Prepare samples, reagents and equipment for laboratory course sessions.
- Assist students during practical sessions and help them develop good laboratory technique.
Lab management, leadership and development
- Oversee lab safety and compliance, including biosafety, chemical and biological waste handling, and institutional health and safety requirements.
- Manage instrument scheduling and bookings, balancing the needs of research groups and teaching.
- Maintain the inventory of consumables and reagents, and order supplies so the lab stays stocked.
- Keep the lab space, benches and storage organized and ready for users and inspections.
- Contribute to longer-term planning for the facility, including equipment purchasing and service contracts.
- Supervise and mentor junior staff, students or visiting users as opportunities arise.
- Identify ways to expand automation capabilities and help evaluate new technologies.
- Represent the facility at internal meetings and, where appropriate, at external user groups or conferences.
General
- Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade of the role as reasonably required.
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.
- 3-5 years of technical experience with laboratory automation requirement.
- 3-5 years of laboratory experience in molecular biology.
- Strong problem-solving, reasoning, communication, and organization 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
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, PAJob Function
ResearchersPosition Type
Staff – RegularFull Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
HourlyMore Information:
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Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.