Research Specialist I (McHugh)

About the role

The McHugh Lab in the Department of Bioengineering at Rice University seeks to hire a Research Specialist I laboratory technician to support research focused on the development of novel vaccine and drug delivery platforms.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate and process polymer-based microparticles using established laboratory protocols
• Conduct in vitro release studies to evaluate controlled-release vaccine delivery systems
• Perform biochemical assays, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), to assess vaccine stability and performance
• Absorb in vivo studies in accordance with approved protocols and institutional guidelines
• Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data; maintain accurate laboratory records
• Prepare reagents, materials, and equipment for experiments; support general laboratory operations
• Follow established safety, compliance, and quality control procedures
• Collaborate effectively with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and other lab members

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, bioengineering, chemical engineering, biology, chemistry, or a related field
• 1+ years of relevant laboratory experience, including hands-on wet lab work

Qualifications

• In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience above and beyond what is required may be substituted on a year-for-year basis

Skills

• Ability to perform laboratory techniques accurately and reproducibly following written protocols
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Basic data analysis and record-keeping skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and collaboratively within a research team
• Commitment to laboratory safety and compliance standards

Workplace Requirements

• This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person.

Hiring Range

$46,000 – $52,900 Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime. This position is a one-year appointment funded by grant, soft, and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on satisfactory performance and renewal of funding.