Research Specialist II

Rice University • Houston, TX

21h • Onsite

About The Position

The Human Performance Team in the Rice Space Institute (RSI)’s Center for Space Technologies (CSTx) at Rice University is seeking a Research Specialist to join interdisciplinary projects focused on human factors, human-robot interaction, human-AI teaming, and well-being research for human space exploration missions. This role is part of a new Texas Space Commission-funded project and involves collaboration with Principal Investigators (PIs) in the Department of Psychological Sciences, as well as potential collaborators from NASA and Rice Engineering. The ideal candidate is an innovative and collaborative researcher with expertise in human factors, human-AI teaming, human-robot interaction, or occupational health psychology, who is eager to apply psychological science to the demands of space missions and work effectively in interdisciplinary teams. This is a one-year term-limited position with the possibility of extension based on funding and need.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Two or more (2+) years of related experience
• Strong research background and expertise in a relevant field (e.g., Human Factors, Human-Computer Interaction, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Occupational Health Psychology, Organizational Behavior)
• Good listening, verbal and written communication, analytical, and research skills
• Excellent scientific and numerical skills with meticulous attention to details and accuracy
• Ability to work in a team environment, to participate actively, to collaborate and to motivate others in the lab
• Good critical thinking, technical, and data collection skills
• Ability to maintain quality, safety and control standards

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree
• Interest in human space exploration missions
• Prior experience in interdisciplinary research
• Interest in research that integrates human factors, human-robot interaction, human-AI teaming, and well-being
• Expertise in psychometrics, statistical modeling, and qualitative approaches
• Flexibility and adaptability in navigating different lab cultures and expectations
• Record of publications in peer-reviewed outlets

Responsibilities

• Lead and support research projects related to human factors, human-robot interaction, human-AI teaming, and well-being research pertaining to human space exploration missions
• Conduct comprehensive cross-disciplinary literature reviews to establish theoretical and empirical foundations for projects
• Design study methodology, measurement approaches, standard operating procedures, and IRB protocols in collaboration with Principal Investigators
• Coordinate and conduct data collections
• Manage data organization, cleaning, and quality control
• Perform quantitative and/or qualitative analysis
• Attend CSTx team meetings and events, lab meetings, and relevant departmental events
• Write and co-author peer-reviewed manuscripts for publication in psychology outlets
• Contribute to progress reports and other deliverables required by the funding agency
• Facilitate information flow across Principal Investigators and lab personnel to ensure work is synchronized across labs
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students

Benefits

• Extended periods of computer work, with sitting or standing desk options available
• Access to collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment
• Opportunities to interact with faculty, students, and research collaborators
• Potential for domestic travel to conferences or collaborators

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level