Research Technician II

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Zhang Lab in the George R. Brown School of Engineering and
Computing at Rice University is seeking a Research Technician II to
support research in cell-free synthetic biology. Working closely
with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and the principal
investigator, the Research Technician II will carry out established
experimental workflows, prepare and maintain research materials,
support laboratory operations, and help ensure consistency across
ongoing projects.

The role requires strong laboratory technique, attention to detail,
and the ability to execute complex, multi-step procedures
accurately and reproducibly. The technician will also maintain
research records and tracking systems, support updates to
laboratory procedures, and help provide continuity as projects and
research personnel change.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting
Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to
avoid any formatting issues.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is exclusively on-site, requiring all duties to be
performed in person at the Rice University campus. Per Rice policy 440 , work
arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $19.00 - $23.00/hour

*Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA
are eligible for overtime.

This is a one-year, full-time, benefits-eligible position funded by
grant, soft, and/or restricted funds and may be renewed based on
continued funding availability, ongoing research needs, and
performance.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Bioengineering, Chemical

Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field

• In lieu of the education requirement, additional related

experience above and beyond what is required may be substituted on
an equivalent year-for-year basis.

• Three years of related laboratory or research experience.

Directly related academic research experience may count toward this
requirement.

• In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related

education above the minimum requirement may be substituted on an
equivalent year-for-year basis.

Skills:

• Ability to follow complex laboratory procedures accurately and

consistently

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to maintain accurate research records and work

effectively as part of a research team

Preferences:

• Experience with molecular biology, synthetic biology, cell-free

systems, biochemical assays, or related laboratory methods

• Experience preparing biological reagents, buffers, constructs,

extracts, strains, or cell lines

• Experience maintaining laboratory databases, inventories, or

structured research records

• Experience working with standard operating procedures in a

research laboratory

Essential Functions:

• Partners with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to

execute complex, multi-step cell-free synthetic biology
workflows

• Prepares and performs quality control on reagents, strains,

cell lines, extracts, buffers, and other laboratory materials

• Executes established SOPs accurately and reproducibly across

projects and documents deviations or technical issues

• Assists with updates to SOPs and workflow improvements as

research procedures evolve

• Maintains organized research materials, records, and

standardized workflows to support continuity across projects and
personnel transitions

• Maintains and updates databases used to track constructs,

extracts, reagents, and assay results and assists with improvements
to tracking systems

• Supports the exchange of data, protocols, and research

materials with collaborating laboratories

• Maintains reagent inventories and consumable supplies and

coordinates routine laboratory stocking and preparation

• Coordinates shared-equipment scheduling and supports equipment

maintenance and vendor interactions

• Assists with laboratory organization and day-to-day technical

operations

• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

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University

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 get in
touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at
facstaffada@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your
interest in employment with Rice University.