Research Specialist I

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. 

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

About George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing:

The George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs (US News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff and students in an inclusive environment. 

We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought, and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

Position Summary:

The Bao Lab at Rice University is seeking a technically skilled Research Specialist I to contribute to its interdisciplinary research program in bioengineering. Working under the supervision of senior research staff, the Research Specialist will conduct specialized laboratory experiments, collect and analyze research data, and communicate findings that advance the lab’s efforts to develop and evaluate innovative approaches to understanding and engineering biological systems.

The role will focus on molecular and cellular biology research, including the evaluation and optimization of genome-editing systems. The Research Specialist will maintain accurate research records, contribute to the organization and coordination of laboratory activities, and collaborate effectively with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds.

Ideal Candidate Statement: 

The ideal candidate is dependable, accountable, and takes ownership of assigned work through completion. They demonstrate strong attention to accuracy, communicate clearly, and collaborate effectively with research staff, students, and faculty to support shared laboratory goals.

Workplace Requirements: – This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at Rice University. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $46,000 – $52,900 annually

*Exempt (salaried ) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

This position is a one-year, term-limited position funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding and satisfactory performance. 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related field
• One or more (1 ) years of experience in of related laboratory experience, including hands-on wet lab work

Skills:

• Listening, verbal and written communication, analytical, and research skills 
• Good scientific and numerical skills with meticulous attention to details and accuracy
• Ability to work in a team environment, to participate actively, to collaborate and to motivate others in the lab
• Critical thinking, technical, data collection and interviewing skills
• Statistical and graphical analysis skills
• Ability to maintain quality, safety and/or infection control standards
• Ability to plan and schedule effectively

Preferences:

• Related experience in molecular biology, cell biology, and routine biochemistry lab experiments

Essential Functions:

• Conducts specialized research and experiments, including mammalian cell culture with cell lines, primary cells and iPSCs; genomic DNA extraction; plasmid construction; PCR, qPCR and ddPCR; flow cytometry; cell sorting; and fluorescence microscopy
• Collects, track and analyze research data using laboratory notebooks, spreadsheets and databases. Assist with evaluating and optimizing genome editing systems in cellular and in vivo models.
• Communicates research results through verbal updates, PowerPoint presentations and written reports. 
• May assist in the administration of research project, as needed.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits 
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University 

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.

Salary : $46,000 - $52,900