Research Specialist

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. 

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About George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing:

The George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs (US News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff and students in an inclusive environment. 

We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought, and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

Position Summary:

The department of Electrical & Computer Engineering has an open Research Specialist  position to work under the direction of Professor Chong Xie. The central mission of Dr. Chong Xie's laboratory is to achieve seamless integration between engineered electronic systems and the nervous system, advancing our ability to understand, interface with, and augment living systems. Recently, the group has concentrated on creating a scalable, tissue-integrated electrical neural interface built from ultra-flexible nanoelectronic threads (NETs), designed to support stable, glial-scar-free integration with neural tissue and enable long-term, reliable recording.

We are seeking a Research Specialist to contribute to several projects involving the design, fabrication, and testing of ultra-flexible neural electrodes with an emphasis on clinical translation. The role includes supporting ongoing efforts through mechanical design, device assembly, and prototype testing across multiple R&D initiatives. 

Ideal Candidate Statement: 

An ideal candidate would have some prior experience working in a research environment and a foundational understanding of mechanical design, 3D printing, PCB design, and hands-on work using a stereo microscope.

Workplace Requirements: 

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at Bioscience Research Collaborative, 5 days a week. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $45k-$53,000 annually

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

This position is a one-year term-limited position funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor's Degree
• One or more (1+) years of experience in a research environment
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substitute.

Skills: 

• Listening, verbal and written communication, analytical, and research skills 
• Good 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
• Critical thinking, technical, data collection and interviewing skills
• Statistical and graphical analysis skills
• Ability to maintain quality, safety and/or infection control standards
• Ability to plan and schedule effectively
• Demonstrated ability to operate complex equipment and follow instructions
• Ability to use word processing and spreadsheet software, Microsoft Office Suite
• Good organization skills and strong attention to detail 
• Ability to conduct basic evaluation and analysis of data 

Preferences:

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) preferred
• Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
• Experience with neuroscience

Essential Functions:

• Assists in neural probe fabrication using established process steps 
• Assists in the research and development activities related to fabrication, including promoting safety, and preparing simple reagent mixtures
• Collects, tracks and analyzes data through the use of spreadsheets and databases
• Communicates results through verbal presentations, written reports, and written articles submitted for publication in conjunction with PI
• May assist in the administration of the research project
• Prepares procurement requests and orders materials and supplies, manages sample and stock database, sets up and manages experiments, and maintains research results for publications
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Assists with device testing in animal models 
• Conducts experiments related to probe characterization

Rice University HR | Benefits: 

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Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at or  for support.

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