Research Scientist II

Rice University Minimal Template External Career Site•Houston, TX

2d•$100,000 - $106,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to join our world-class experimental laboratory housed in the Ralph S. O’Connor Building for Engineering and Science at Rice University. The lab occupies over 6,000 sq. ft. of dedicated space, with fully equipped synthesis, characterization, and fabrication facilities, maintained and operated by our research team. In this role, you will pursue cutting-edge research aimed at understanding and controlling complex oxide and nitride thin films—with a focus on dielectric, piezoelectric, pyroelectric, ferroelectric, magnetic, and multiferroic materials. Projects span the spectrum from fundamental materials science and physics to applied physics, device fabrication, and testing. You will have the opportunity to engage across these levels, contributing to both foundational knowledge and real-world applications. Our research is backed by a broad portfolio of federal agencies, foundations, and industry partners. Under the leadership of an expert Principal Investigator (PI), Lane Martin, the group typically includes 15–17 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. In addition, Rice University maintains a vibrant, expanding advanced materials community and provides access to extensive shared facilities through the Shared Equipment Authority. We aim for the lab to become a world-leading center in functional materials research—providing the opportunity for the Research Scientist to lead independent projects, pursue their own funding, and build a national or international profile in the field. Key responsibilities will include conducting complex independent experimental research; managing multiple research projects and associated budgets; and ensuring a safe, well-organized, and efficient lab environment. The role is expected to include approximately 60–70% research activity and 30–40% laboratory management duties.

Requirements

Doctoral degree
3+ years of postdoctoral experience
High proficiency and comprehensive knowledge of information management, knowledge management, and publication management
Possess a logical and independent mindset
Excellent interpersonal skills such as patience, determination, flexibility, and decisiveness
Excellent listening, verbal and written communication, analytical, and research skills
Excellent scientific and numerical skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to work in a team environment, participate actively, collaborate, and motivate others in the lab

Nice To Haves

Synthesis of complex oxide/nitride/related thin films (via PLD, MBE, sputtering, etc.)
Structural characterization of thin-film materials, including laboratory and/or synchrotron-based X-ray scattering
Scanning-probe microscopy (including AFM, PFM, KPFM, and others)
Dielectric/piezoelectric/pyroelectric/ferroelectric/magnetic/multiferroic device fabrication and property measurement in thin-film geometries
Synchrotron-based studies of complex oxides, including soft- and hard-X-ray spectromicroscopy
Experience in cleanroom/nanofabrication-based processes producing device structures
Experience with LabView and basic programming knowledge, as well as various electronics (including troubleshooting)
Hands-on experience in the relevant research area and with associated laboratory equipment
Exceptional critical thinking, research acumen, and technical expertise
Outstanding editing and presentation skills, capable of engaging various audiences, including researchers, faculty, staff, and students from diverse technical backgrounds
Exceptional time-management and organizational skills
Commitment to promoting and upholding best practices in research laboratory operations
Demonstrates adeptness with instrumentation, displaying a rapid grasp of new experimental techniques and instruments to become proficient swiftly

Responsibilities

Manages complex research projects and related budgets
Conducts independent experimental research, supports ongoing laboratory studies, and develops or refines new protocols, methodologies, and theoretical approaches
Conducts complex experiments, analyzes data using advanced techniques, and interprets results to generate meaningful scientific insights
Communicates the results of scientific research through papers, conferences, presentations, etc., thereby actively working to improve the laboratory's reputation and scientific capabilities
Maintains awareness of emerging technologies, methods, and developments relevant to the research area
Develops, supports the formulation of, and/or writes research proposals to gain access to user facilities and obtain funding for research
Organizes, writes, and otherwise plays a leading role in developing program reports and presentations related to the research
Mentors, supervises, and trains undergraduate students, graduate researchers, and postdoctoral scholars on laboratory systems, research topics, and best practices
Coordinates laboratory safety initiatives and serves as a primary point of contact for safety-related matters
Promotes a safe, efficient, and collaborative work environment by training new members, managing supply needs, and coordinating routine equipment maintenance with superusers
Provides “institutional memory” on core facilities, hardware, and methodologies to ensure continuity of effort and understanding within the laboratory
Supports or leads the procurement and installation of major research instrumentation and equipment
Establishes and maintains effective systems for communication regarding laboratory activities and operational status
Ensures all research activities adhere to applicable safety regulations and ethical standards
Performs all other duties as assigned