Research Technician

About the role

The Veiseh Lab in the Department of Bioengineering at Rice University is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Technician to support research efforts in cell engineering and biomaterials.

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in translational biomedical research and a desire to contribute to the development of clinically relevant cell-based therapies. Preferred experience includes mammalian cell culture, working with rodent models, and chemical synthesis.

Responsibilities

• Supports experimental work, maintaining lab operations, and collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary research team.
• Performs standard laboratory tasks in support of ongoing research projects, including preparing reagents, setting up experiments, and maintaining lab equipment.
• Aids in cell culture, material handling, and general experimental procedures, following established protocols.
• Captures, organizes, and records data accurately in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.
• Maintains laboratory supplies and inventory; assists with ordering and tracking materials.
• Participates in daily lab operations, including equipment upkeep and adherence to safety procedures.
• Fulfills experimental protocols with attention to detail and contributes to troubleshooting as needed.
• Supports research activities that may include small animal models, depending on training and project needs.
• Communicates effectively with lab members and contributes to a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Upholds standards of laboratory safety, research integrity, and institutional compliance.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 2+ years of relevant laboratory experience in biological sciences, bioengineering, or a related research field.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in bioengineering, biology, chemistry, or a related field preferred, but not required.
• Experience or demonstrated capacity to learn mammalian cell culture and basic cellular analysis.
• Experience or demonstrated capacity to learn biomaterial fabrication and chemical preparation or materials handling.
• Experience or demonstrated capacity to learn techniques involving small animal models for in vivo research.
• Experience or demonstrated capacity to learn genetic engineering, molecular cloning, molecular biology assays, and bacterial culture.

Skills

• Familiarity with core laboratory techniques in the biological or physical sciences.
• Strong organizational skills and accurate record-keeping.
• Ability to follow experimental protocols and contribute to troubleshooting.
• Effective communication and teamwork in a collaborative lab environment.
• Commitment to lab safety, research integrity, and daily lab operations.

Workplace Requirements

• This is an on-site position, requiring all responsibilities to be carried out in person at Rice University Campus.

Hiring Range

$18-21.19/hour, 40 hours per week. This is a non-exempt (hourly) position and is eligible for overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

This is a one-year, full-time, benefits-eligible position funded by grant, soft, and/or restricted funds. Renewal is contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of continued funding.

Additional Information

Up to two hires will be made from this posting. The proposed start date is August 1, 2026.