Postdoctoral Associate - Bioengineering (Finance)

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 seeks to hire a postdoctoral research associate. The Szablowski Lab is focused on developing technologies for noninvasive control and monitoring of the brain. In our work, we combine synthetic biology, molecular engineering, and strategies for enhanced gene and drug delivery into the central nervous system. Our goals are to understand neural circuit function and treat brain disorders with fewer side effects.

Due to its location at the boundary between Rice University and the Texas Medical Center-the largest medical center in the world-the lab is uniquely positioned to advance its technologies towards the clinic with active collaborations with clinician-scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Methodist, and Texas Heart Institute.

The position involves conducting advanced research in focused ultrasound (FUS) and blood-brain barrier opening (FUS-BBBO) with an emphasis on gene delivery applications. The candidate will collaborate on experiments, particularly involving non-human primates, and utilize image-guided focused ultrasound techniques. Responsibilities include designing and optimizing protocols for FUS-BBBO gene delivery, performing histological imaging and analysis, and quantifying imaging and histological results. The role requires travel to collaborators' research sites and active participation in FUS-BBBO experiments. Additionally, the candidate will document research findings through detailed reports, presentations, and publications, contributing to the advancement of focused ultrasound research and applications.

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled researcher with expertise in focused ultrasound (FUS) and blood-brain barrier opening (FUS-BBBO), particularly in gene delivery applications. They have experience conducting experiments involving non-human primates and proficiency in image-guided focused ultrasound techniques. The candidate demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and critical thinking skills, enabling them to design and optimize protocols for FUS-BBBO gene delivery effectively. They excel in histological imaging, data analysis, and quantification of results, paired with exceptional organizational skills to manage complex research projects.

In addition to technical expertise, the candidate possesses excellent communication skills, including the ability to document findings through detailed reports, professional presentations, and publications. They are highly collaborative, capable of working effectively with multidisciplinary teams, and willing to travel to research sites to actively engage in experimental work. Their proactive attitude, attention to detail, and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge make them a valuable contributor to focused ultrasound research and its applications.

This position is a four-year term-limited position funded by a recent grant. Continued employment is contingent on the performance and maintenance of the funding.

More info about Szablowski Lab: https://www.szablowskilab.org

Workplace Requirements:

This is an on-campus position. The chosen candidate will work with research animals and have the ability to drive to a collaborator's research site. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $62,000

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

This position is a benefits eligible, full-time position funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding.

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. or other doctoral degree in Bioengineering, Applied Physics, Neuroscience, or related disciplines.
• No experience required

Skills:

• Knowledge of Focused Ultrasound (FUS) and image guided ultrasound
• Familiarity with Histological Techniques
• Understanding of Protocol Development
• Data Analysis and Quantification
• Collaborative Research Abilities
• Scientific writing and presentation skills

Preferences:

• Knowledge and experience of focused ultrasound and blood-brain barrier opening (FUS-BBBO)
• Experience with working with non-human primates
• Experience with image-guided focused ultrasound
• Experience with histology
• Ability to drive to a collaborators' research site

Essential Functions:

• Assist in performing FUS-BBBO experiments
• Design and optimize the protocols for gene delivery with FUS-BBBO
• Quantify histological and imaging results
• Perform imaging of histological sections
• Write reports, presentations, and publications based on the performed researcher
• Support project management and collaboration across institutions or disciplines
• Perform 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.

About Us

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, 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.