Northern California HERC

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.

Position Summary:

The Szablowski Laboratory for Noninvasive Neuroengineering at Rice University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our team. Our lab develops platform technologies for noninvasive monitoring and control of the nervous system, with the goal of accelerating therapeutic discoveries.

This position is supported by a recently awarded BrightFocus Foundation grant and will focus on developing a novel, scalable platform for monitoring cellular physiology in intact tissues. The project carries strong translational potential, with opportunities for impactful biomedical applications.

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in translational biomedical engineering and a desire to develop their own independent research program in this area. Experience in areas such as in vivo experimentation, ophthalmology, nanoparticle synthesis, or nucleic acid (mRNA/DNA) delivery will be preferred. However, candidates with strong potential and training in related fields are also encouraged to apply.

This is a one-year, grant-funded position, renewable for up to three additional years based on performance and funding.

Workplace Requirements:

This is a fully in-person position. The selected candidate will work with research animals and must be able to travel locally to a collaborator's research site as needed. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $62,008

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

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. or other doctoral degree in Bioengineering, Neuroscience, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science, or related discipline
• No prior postdoctoral experience required

Skills:

• Expertise in drug and gene delivery
• Proficiency in data analysis and quantitative methods
• Strong scientific writing and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in collaborative research environments

Preferences:

• Experience with rodent research,
• Knowledge of non-viral mRNA and / or DNA delivery technology
• Familiarity with histological techniques

Essential Functions:

• Design DNA and RNA constructs for experimental applications
• Develop and optimize protein-based reporters
• Design and refine protocols for in vivo gene and mRNA delivery
• Perform imaging and histological analysis of experimental samples
• Quantify imaging and histological data for research evaluation
• Prepare research reports, presentations, and publications based on project findings
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Information:

• The selected candidate will work with research animals and must be able to travel locally to a collaborator's research site as needed.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

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.