Research Specialist I

Rice University•Houston, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Specialist I supports research in the Luan Lab within Rice University's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The role contributes to an interdisciplinary, National Eye Institute-funded project examining the feasibility of the lateral geniculate nucleus as a target for visual prosthetics. Research includes studying neural and behavioral responses to microstimulation delivered through ultraflexible electrode arrays in normally sighted and blind rodent models. The position conducts guided research, electrophysiological and behavioral experiments, and research data collection and analysis. It documents and communicates experimental methods, observations, and results, and contributes to developing, executing, and coordinating specialized research activities. The Research Specialist I works collaboratively with postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, the principal investigator, and other laboratory personnel. This is a one-year, full-time, benefits-eligible, grant-funded position. It may be renewed depending on continued funding availability, research needs, and performance. The role is exclusively on-site in a laboratory environment and requires compliance with laboratory safety procedures, animal care and use protocols, and applicable research regulations. The work may involve extended periods of standing, handling laboratory equipment, and repetitive research-related tasks.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree; additional related experience beyond the stated requirement may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
One or more years of relevant laboratory experience; relevant academic experience may count toward this requirement.
Strong scientific, analytical, and research skills.
Ability to accurately collect, organize, and analyze research data.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a research environment.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to plan and schedule research activities effectively.

Nice To Haves

Background in biological sciences, biomedical sciences, neuroscience, neuroengineering, or a related field.
Experience conducting research involving rodent models.
Experience with animal behavioral training in a research setting.
Experience conducting electrophysiology experiments or related neural-recording studies.
Experience collecting and analyzing behavioral or electrophysiological data.
Familiarity with MATLAB or similar research data-analysis tools.
Experience working in a collaborative academic research laboratory.

Responsibilities

Conduct specialized research and experiments involving visual prosthetic technologies and rodent models.
Conduct electrophysiological recordings during microstimulation experiments.
Perform behavioral training and related experiments to assess responses to stimulation.
Collect, organize, track, and analyze neural and behavioral research data.
Document experimental methods, observations, results, and other research activities.
Communicate research results through presentations, written reports, and other research materials in collaboration with the principal investigator and research team.
Contribute to the execution and coordination of research activities related to funded projects.
Work collaboratively with postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and other laboratory personnel to advance project objectives.
May assist with administration and coordination of research projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.