Research Technician

Special Instructions to Applicants : Please attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application.

Position Summary

The Dai Lab in the Rice University Bioengineering department has an opening for a research technician position. Our lab develops state-of-the-art molecular imaging and sequencing technologies for understanding complex biological systems.

We combine a variety of biophysical, biochemical and computational techniques, and push limits in all directions to improve sensitivity, affordability, multiplexing and throughput.

Current directions include super-resolution microscopy, single-molecule protein imaging, and single-cell profiling.

The ideal candidate would have a strong interest in molecular biology methods and high-throughput sequencing, as well as a desire to work on biotechnology and assay development.

Experimental skills in qPCR, NGS sample prep, single-cell sequencing, and mammalian cell culture are preferred. The candidate is expected to have strong communication and organizational skills, and to work with team members on advancing projects in a diverse and collaborative environment.

Requirements

• HS Diploma or equivalent
• Three years of related experience in basic bio-lab operations and equipment In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
• Skills Required Ability to perform basic laboratory tasks independently Basic molecular biology assays such as PCR and gel electrophoresis Basic chemical synthesis methods Basic math and research skills and the ability to conduct basic data analysis Highly organized with good attention to detail Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication Enthusiasm to learn new skills Enthusiasm to work with others on collaborative projects

Essential Functions

• Performs molecular biology experiments and assays
• Performs chemical synthesis and characterization
• Performs cell culture and assists in cell characterization
• Assists in conducting research and experiments
• Collects and tracks basic data and maintains a laboratory notebook
• Assists in the laboratory day-to-day technical operations including promoting safety, maintaining equipment, and preparing reagents
• Prepares procurement requests and orders materials and supplies, manages sample and stock database, sets up and manages experiments and maintains results for publications
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Preferences

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience with next generation sequencing
• Experience with sterile technique and mammalian tissue culture
• Experience with chemical synthesis, biochemical assays

About George R. Brown School of Engineering

The George R. Brown School of Engineering ranks among the top 20 of 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.