Postdoctoral Associate - Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

Rice University • Houston, TX

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Zhang lab in the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing at Rice University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to research in cell-free synthetic biology. Working with Dr. Yan Zhang and the research team, the postdoctoral associate will develop and execute experimental approaches involving cell-free systems, biological constructs, extracts, and related assays. The position contributes to the design, execution, analysis, and interpretation of research studies and helps advance experimental workflows as research questions and project needs evolve.

The associate will collaborate with graduate students, research staff, and external research partners, and contribute to documenting, communicating, and disseminating research findings. The role includes developing and characterizing cell-free gene-expression systems for programmable biological function; conducting molecular cloning, protein-expression, gene-expression, and related workflows; performing mass spectrometry-based characterization and quantitative analysis; and analyzing bioinformatics and other research data using Python and related computational tools. The position also involves preparing research materials and mentoring undergraduate researchers and new laboratory members.

This is a one-year, full-time, benefits-eligible position funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. It may be renewed depending on continued funding availability, ongoing research needs, and performance. The role is exclusively on-site at the Rice University campus. The hiring range is $50,000–$55,000 annually.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Bioengineering, chemical engineering, biology, biochemistry, synthetic biology, or a closely related field by the start date.
• No additional experience beyond graduate research is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience conducting laboratory research in synthetic biology, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with molecular cloning, protein and gene expression, and related experimental workflows.
• Experience with mass spectrometry, bioinformatics, quantitative data analysis, and/or Python-based research tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work independently in a collaborative research environment.
• Experience mentoring students, training laboratory members, or contributing to scholarly publications and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on the development and characterization of cell-free gene-expression systems for programmable biological function.
• Design and execute experiments involving molecular cloning, protein expression, gene expression, and related synthetic biology workflows.
• Perform mass spectrometry-based characterization and quantitative analysis of experimental data.
• Analyze bioinformatics and other research data using Python and related computational tools.
• Develop, evaluate, and refine experimental approaches as research objectives evolve.
• Interpret research findings and identify appropriate next steps with the principal investigator and research team.
• Prepare figures, manuscripts, conference presentations, and technical content for grant reports.
• Collaborate with graduate students and other research personnel on shared projects.
• Mentor undergraduate researchers and train new laboratory members in relevant methods and workflows.
• Maintain complete and accurate research records and documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Benefits eligible

What This Job Offers

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