Research Technician II

Special Instructions to Applicants: Please attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. 

About George R. Brown School of Engineering 

The George R. Brown School of Engineering 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 McHugh Lab in the Department of Bioengineering at Rice University (Houston, TX) seeks to hire two laboratory technicians to contribute to a project focused on novel vaccine development. At a high level, the McHugh Lab is focused on the development of translational drug delivery platforms with the potential to address a variety of conditions ranging from prophylaxis for infectious diseases to cancer therapies. These bespoke delivery systems often leverage a combination of material properties and advanced manufacturing techniques and engage the immune system to fight disease. 

The research technicians selected for this position will support an interdisciplinary project funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that aims to employ a controlled-release vaccine delivery platform to create combination vaccines with otherwise incompatible vaccines. Specifically, it aims to encapsulate a next-generation polio vaccine inside particles fabricated using the Particles Uniformly Liquified and Sealed to Encapsulate Drug (PULSED) platform to offset the timing of release from a co-delivered soluble vaccine to prevent immunological interference. The responsibilities of the individuals selected for these positions will include fabricating microparticles, performing in vitro release studies, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to characterize vaccine stability, performing in vivo studies, and data analysis. They will also be expected to be able to work with a multidisciplinary team of postdocs and graduate students.

Ideal Candidate Statement: 

The ideal candidates will be highly motivated, work well with a team, and have strong communication skills. Experience performing in controlled-release studies in the past is preferred, but not required. Individuals with an interest in global health and/or translational research would be well-suited for these roles. Mentorship will be provided by the PI as well as postdocs and graduate students in the lab. This position would be ideal for someone looking to build their research skills to subsequently pursue an advanced degree in bioengineering, immunology, or related fields.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person on Rice University’s campus. The individuals selected for this position must be able to perform wet lab experiments in a laboratory environment. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $18.89-22.69/hour

This position is a one-year term-limited position with the expectation of renewal pending satisfactory performance. This position is funded by a grant through August 2027.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Associate’s degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
• 3 years experience in biomedical engineering, bioengineering, chemical engineering, biology, immunology, or related fields
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted, including a bachelor’s degree.

Skills: 

• Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet software, Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficiency in relevant math and research skills
• Good organization skills and strong attention to detail
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal, written)
• Ability to work independently and in team environments
• Ability to conduct, evaluate and analyze data
• Ability to maintain quality, safety and/or infection control standards

Preferences:

• Bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, bioengineering, chemical engineering, biology, immunology, or related fields
• >1 year of experience working in a lab (at least part-time)

Essential Functions:

• Assists in conducting research and experiments
• Collects, tracks and analyzes data using spreadsheets and databases
• Assists in the laboratory setup and day-to-day technical operations, including promoting safety, maintaining equipment, creating kits and preparing reagents
• Prepares procurement requests and orders materials and supplies, manages sample and stock database, sets up and manages experiments, and maintains research results for publications
• Performs all other duties as assigned

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

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University 

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and the full inclusion of all qualified persons in the workplace. This commitment includes providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. For applicants with disabilities who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

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

Salary : $19 - $23