Postdoctoral Associate - Chemistry

Rice University • Houston, TX

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The group of Dr. Han Xiao at Rice University is looking for Postdoctoral Research Associates to join a collaborative translational research initiative. This position will focus on advancing a next-generation Lymphatic Imaging Project. The successful candidate will play a leading role in driving this translational research by developing specialized imaging tools, overseeing complex data analysis, and spearheading the regulatory steps necessary for conducting human clinical studies. Rice University is one of the top private research universities in the United States, ranked 17th in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report for national research universities. Located in Houston, the fourth largest city in the U.S., the laboratory is adjacent to the world’s largest biomedical center, including MD Anderson Cancer Center and Baylor College of Medicine among over a dozen top biomedical research institutions. Rice University has made significant contributions in the fields of materials science, nanoscience, and artificial heart research.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, or closely related scientific fields
• Multi-step synthesis of fluorescent dyes/contrast agents
• Able to use spectroscopy to characterize compounds
• Able to work independently and professionally with minimal supervision and direction
• Ability to write scholarly papers based on ongoing research and submit them to journals for publication
• Able to work in a collaborative environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as oral presentation skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in either dye/contrast reagent development OR photoacoustic imager engineering
• Strong analytical abilities, a proven track record of scientific publication, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively across two dynamic research labs

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience with IND (Investigational New Drug) studies
• Familiarity with FDA regulatory processes and compliance for medical devices or contrast agents
• Prior experience working in a startup environment, clinical research, or translational medicine

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and optimize novel dyes/contrast reagents, or develop and engineer advanced photoacoustic imaging systems for lymphatic mapping
• Lead the experimental design, data collection, and comprehensive analysis for the lymphatic imaging project
• Coordinate and execute human clinical studies in collaboration with cross-functional research teams
• Drive the preparation of documentation and provide technical expertise for FDA regulatory processes, including IND applications
• Publishes and presents research findings
• Supports project management and collaboration across institutions or disciplines
• Mentors, oversees, and/or trains junior research team members
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Professional development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree