Research Scientist

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 that supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which contributes to Rice’s high rankings for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

About the role

The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering is searching for a Research Scientist in the Research Group of Prof. Sibani Biswal. The research scientist will conduct independent experimental studies, manage research projects and related budgets, communicate research results through presentations, mentor undergraduate and graduate student researchers, and maintain a safe and efficient work environment. This is a full-time, exempt (salaried) position under FLSA and is benefits-eligible.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
• Proficiency with advanced colloidal experimental apparatus, including:
  • Optical tweezers operations and principles
  • Design of Helmholtz coils for time-varying magnetic control
  • Optical microscopy
• Advanced computational and modeling skills in colloidal assemblies using MATLAB, Python, COMSOL, and image analysis tools
• Experience conducting data analysis, numerical simulation, and visualization of transport-reaction processes

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research in colloidal and interfacial phenomena with applications in soft matter and energy engineering
• Design and implement experimental and computational projects bridging fundamental science with practical applications in microfluidics, electrochemical systems, and responsive materials
• Design and execute independent experimental research studies and computational simulations to investigate colloidal assembly, soft matter dynamics, and interfacial transport phenomena
• Perform data analysis, simulations, and modeling to explain experimental results using MATLAB, Python, COMSOL, and image analysis tools
• Develop and implement new experimental platforms, integrating custom-built instrumentation with field-driven control systems
• Manage research projects, prepare technical reports, and contribute to competitive grant proposals
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers, providing training in advanced laboratory and computational techniques
• Maintain a safe, efficient, and well-organized laboratory, including oversight of equipment and supplies
• Communicate research outcomes through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences
• Seek opportunities to expand research funding and collaborations

Benefits

Rice University offers a comprehensive benefits package. For more details, visit Rice University Benefits Overview.