Lab Manager

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

Innovation. Interdisciplinary collaboration. Complex problem solving. In Carnegie Mellon University's Department of Mechanical Engineering, faculty members, researchers, and students are revolutionizing focus areas in advanced manufacturing, bioengineering, computational engineering, energy and the environment, product design, and robotics. In addition, they are using their expertise in interdisciplinary research centers across the university.

Carnegie Mellon University's department of Mechanical Engineering is searching for a Lab Manager to join their team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment. In this role, you will be responsible for day-to-day technical operations and coordination across multiple laboratories to keep device and validation activities on schedule, with secondary support to upstream sensor/assay teams. You will help drive a multi-year, multi-disciplinary program advancing at-home early-detection technology. This position will bridge several collaborating laboratories—with primary emphasis on device development and support upstream sensor/assay activities as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Address project milestones in a timely manner.
• Building and nurturing collaborations with other teams in the project.
• Working collaboratively with other trainees in the laboratory.
• Completing all professional assignments in a timely manner, including creating reports, presentations, experimentations, etc.
• Day-to-day technical decisions; escalate risk/scope.
• Clean room and benchtop labs; possible BSL-2 access.
• Works under PI with moderate independence; mentors trainees.
• Coordinate multi-lab experiment schedules, dependencies, risks, and deliverables; maintain an up- to-date milestone tracker and escalate issues promptly.
• Manage lab operations, including procurement, inventory, vendor coordination, instrument scheduling, safety/EH&S compliance, and calibration/maintenance records.
• Provide hands-on experimental support (fixtures, set-ups, standardized procedures) and ensure SOPs are current, followed, and continuously improved.
• Oversee sample and records management; ensure traceability from experiment planning through data archiving.
• Curate data integrity by organizing notebooks and shared repositories; assemble figures, tables, and concise summaries for internal reviews and sponsor reporting.
• Coordinate clear, timely communications across laboratories and with project leadership; prepare briefings for regular reviews and status updates.
• Own document control for SOPs, checklists, and acceptance criteria; enforce versioning, approvals, and change logs.
• Train and onboard students and staff on shared infrastructure, safety practices, and reproducible workflows.
• Maintain shared trackers and dashboards to reflect progress, risks, and resource needs.
• Perform other research, engineering, and development responsibilities aligned with program milestones as assigned by the supervisors

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.

You should demonstrate:

• Success bridging multiple PIs/labs; vendor and external-partner coordination
• Demonstrated lab operations competence—procurement, inventory, vendor management, instrument maintenance/calibration, safety/EH&S compliance—plus disciplined documentation (SOPs, checklists, versioned data)
• Clear written/oral communication for leadership and sponsor reporting
• Milestone-driven deliverables and data integrity

Qualifications:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field with relevant experience for the project
• 2–3 years of post-PhD experience
• Maintain lab readiness, provide experimental support, ensure high-integrity data and documentation, and deliver concise reporting to the leadership team and project manager.
• Ensure experiments are ready on time, equipment and supplies are in order, and results and documentation are clean, reproducible, and review ready.
• Communicates crisply across engineering, biology, and electronics teams, and enjoys turning complex, cross-lab efforts into reliable execution.
• Hands-on background and experience in multiple of the following is preferred: device fabrication/fixtures, microfluidic or microfabrication workflows, assay/analytical testing, sensor/electronics integration, or benchtop validation.
• Experience in milestone-driven programs and light quality frameworks (document control, acceptance tests) is essential.
• Experience coordinating technical work across multiple laboratories, including scheduling experiments, aligning dependencies, and managing risks to hit milestones.
• Hands-on familiarity with at least two relevant domains (e.g., device fabrication/fixtures, microfluidics or microfabrication workflows, assay/analytical testing, sensor/electronics integration, or benchtop validation) is strongly preferred.

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 .

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

Salary

More Information:

• Please visit " Why Carnegie Mellon " to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran .
• Statement of Assurance