Research Associate - Electrical, Computer & Systems Engineering

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Research Associate will be primarily responsible for components of Department of War (DoW)-funded projects to develop a miniaturized blood coagulation analyzer for real-time, temporal, and comprehensive assessment of complex bleeding disorders at the point-of-need. Research will specifically focus on the development, fabrication, and characterization of microfluidic devices and diagnostic microassays for blood coagulation analysis, with the overarching goal of establishing the coagulation analyzer as a decision-support platform to guide hemostatic resuscitation strategies using biologic and newly emerging synthetic blood components.

As a member of the Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics (PDT) cluster, the Research Associate will work in CWRU’s $300M state-of-the-art Roger E. Susi Interdisciplinary Research Building that opened in October 2026. The PDT cluster brings together researchers across the university to develop diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that account for individual differences in health and disease, with applications across trauma, hematologic diseases, blood-based biomarker detection, and companion diagnostics for emerging cell/gene therapies.

Within this highly collaborative and transdisciplinary environment, the Research Associate will work on projects that broadly involve microfluidic-based biosensors, bioelectronics, and point-of-need diagnostic microassays, with an emphasis on clinical translation and technology commercialization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Research, develop, and fabricate microfluidic-based biosensors, diagnostic microassays, and electronic readout systems for a miniaturized blood coagulation analyzer.
2. Plan and conduct experiments to assess the coagulation analyzer performance; collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data; use findings to guide assay refinement.
3. Participate in regular research meetings with the supervisor and other project personnel in both ECSE and Biomedical Engineering (EBME) departments.
4. Maintain accurate research records and prepare sponsor progress reports, manuscripts, and conference presentations; present findings and co-author academic publications.
5. Assist the supervisor to train undergraduate and graduate students in translational microfluidics, biosensors & sensing microsystems, and point-of-need diagnostic microassays, as well as in scientific writing.
6. Contribute to new research proposals and ensure compliance with university, sponsor, laboratory safety, and applicable research requirements.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform other duties assigned in support of the research objectives.

CONTACTS

Department: Regular interaction with the supervisor, faculty, staff, and other project personnel to coordinate research and present findings.

University: Collaboration with Biomedical Engineering and PDT cluster researchers, and correspondence with research administration, purchasing, and contracting.

External: Coordination with clinical and academic collaborators, sponsor representatives, and vendors to implement research project goals.

Students: Research and didactic training of undergraduate and graduate students.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position entails working in an open-floor research environment within the PDT cluster in the Roger E. Susi Interdisciplinary Research Building, with access to general and specialized laboratories for microfabrication, blood testing, and preclinical studies. Work may involve exposure to chemicals, blood, and bloodborne pathogens. The selected applicant must maintain required laboratory training and certifications and adhere to applicable safety regulations and approved research protocols. Occasional travel to conferences, sponsor meetings, or collaborating institutions may be required. Extended work hours, including evenings or weekends, may be necessary as experiments and deadlines dictate.

CITY OF CLEVELAND PAY TRANSPARENCY ORDINANCE

In compliance with the City of Cleveland’s Pay Transparency Ordinance (effective October 27, 2025), the annual starting base salary range for this position is from $55,068–$80,000. CWRU considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant, as well as the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal peer equity. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and paid time off.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: Ph.D. in electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, or a closely related discipline, with 0–3 years of post-degree research experience. A strong experimental background and publication record in microfluidics, biosensors & bioelectronics, sensing microsystems, or diagnostic microassays are required. Prior experience in blood-based diagnostics, blood coagulation biology, or preclinical evaluation is preferred, but not necessary.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Critical-thinking skills to conduct independent experimental research within a defined project scope, including experimental design, troubleshooting, and data interpretation.
2. Knowledge of microfluidics, biosensors & bioelectronics, sensing microsystems, or diagnostic microassay development, with relevant skills in device fabrication, instrumentation, and quantitative data analysis.
3. Prior presentations and publications in related research areas, and ability to prepare scientific manuscripts, technical reports, and presentations.
4. Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, and work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and clinical partners.
5. Time-management skills to complete research tasks within stipulated timeframes and maintain accurate research records.
6. Ability to train and support undergraduate and graduate students and follow university, sponsor, and laboratory safety requirements.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Co-supervision of undergraduate and graduate student researchers, as needed, in close cooperation with the supervising faculty member. Application instructions Please submit the following

1- Cover letter describing interest in and fit with the position

2- Updated CV

3- Up to 3 recent, representative publications