Research Technician II

Rice University
Houston, TX
On-site

Who this role is best for

Best suited to candidates with 3+ years of lab experience working in cell-free synthetic biology and related research domains.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with 3+ years of lab experience in molecular biology or synthetic biology
    — “Three years of related laboratory or research experience”
  • Individuals who can manage lab workflows and contribute to SOP development
    — “Supports updates to laboratory procedures and workflow improvements”
  • Those with a background in maintaining lab databases and inventories
    — “Maintains and updates databases used to track constructs, extracts, reagents, and assay results”

Things to consider

  • This is a temporary grant-funded role with potential for renewal based on performance and funding
    — “may be renewed based on continued funding availability, ongoing research needs, and performance”
  • The position requires a full-time on-site commitment with no remote flexibility
    — “This position is exclusively on-site, requiring all duties to be performed in person”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with multi-step cell-free synthetic biology procedures in your resume
    — “execute complex, multi-step cell-free synthetic biology workflows”
  • Emphasize your ability to maintain accurate and organized lab records
    — “maintains organized research materials, records, and standardized workflows”
  • Showcase your experience with lab inventory and supply management
    — “Maintains reagent inventories and consumable supplies”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Individual

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Execute complex, multi-step cell-free synthetic biology workflows
  • Prepare and maintain research materials
  • Support laboratory operations
Typical background
Bachelor's degree in Biology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related field3+ years of related laboratory or research experience

Skills & requirements

Required

Laboratory TechniquesAttention To DetailResearch Record KeepingTeam Collaboration

Preferred

Molecular BiologySynthetic BiologyCell-free SystemsBiochemical Assays

Stack & domain

Cell-free Synthetic BiologyMolecular BiologySynthetic BiologyBiochemistryChemical EngineeringBiotechnologyBioengineeringLaboratory TechniquesQuality ControlStandard Operating ProceduresDatabase ManagementResearch Record KeepingAttention To DetailOrganizational SkillsTeamworkProblem-solvingCommunicationCollaborationResearchCell-free Systems

About the role

Original posting from Rice University

Position Summary:

The Zhang Lab in the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing at Rice University is seeking a Research Technician II to support research in cell-free synthetic biology. Working closely with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and the principal investigator, the Research Technician II will carry out established experimental workflows, prepare and maintain research materials, support laboratory operations, and help ensure consistency across ongoing projects.

The role requires strong laboratory technique, attention to detail, and the ability to execute complex, multi-step procedures accurately and reproducibly. The technician will also maintain research records and tracking systems, support updates to laboratory procedures, and help provide continuity as projects and research personnel change.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

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

Workplace Requirements:

This position is exclusively on-site, requiring all duties to be performed in person at the Rice University campus. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $19.00 - $23.00/hour

*Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

This is a one-year, full-time, benefits-eligible position funded by grant, soft, and/or restricted funds and may be renewed based on continued funding availability, ongoing research needs, and performance.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field

In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

Three years of related laboratory or research experience. Directly related academic research experience may count toward this requirement.

In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above the minimum requirement may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

Skills:

Ability to follow complex laboratory procedures accurately and consistently

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Ability to maintain accurate research records and work effectively as part of a research team

Preferences:

Experience with molecular biology, synthetic biology, cell-free systems, biochemical assays, or related laboratory methods

Experience preparing biological reagents, buffers, constructs, extracts, strains, or cell lines

Experience maintaining laboratory databases, inventories, or structured research records

Experience working with standard operating procedures in a research laboratory

Essential Functions:

Partners with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to execute complex, multi-step cell-free synthetic biology workflows

Prepares and performs quality control on reagents, strains, cell lines, extracts, buffers, and other laboratory materials

Executes established SOPs accurately and reproducibly across projects and documents deviations or technical issues

Assists with updates to SOPs and workflow improvements as research procedures evolve

Maintains organized research materials, records, and standardized workflows to support continuity across projects and personnel transitions

Maintains and updates databases used to track constructs, extracts, reagents, and assay results and assists with improvements to tracking systems

Supports the exchange of data, protocols, and research materials with collaborating laboratories

Maintains reagent inventories and consumable supplies and coordinates routine laboratory stocking and preparation

Coordinates shared-equipment scheduling and supports equipment maintenance and vendor interactions

Assists with laboratory organization and day-to-day technical operations

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.

Source: Rice University careers

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