Research Technician I

Rice University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University seeks a Research Technician to support mouse husbandry, basic molecular biology, and cell culture maintenance on-site at the Houston campus. Responsibilities include breeding, genotyping, weaning, and maintaining colony records, plus cell culture work and data recording in lab databases.

The role requires accuracy, reliability, and teamwork in a collaborative lab, with weekly meetings and strong documentation practices.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or equivalent required.
• 2+ years of related laboratory experience required; relevant academic research may count toward this.
• This on-site role requires a commitment to Rice University's policies and grant-funded position terms.

Responsibilities

• Assist with mouse colony management and routine animal research activities following established protocols.
• Perform bacterial culture, plasmid construction, and viral production as needed.
• Maintain cell culture and differentiate cells using established techniques.
• Collect and organize data, ensure reproducibility, and document procedures.
• Maintain complete lab records and document experimental results.
• Prepare reagents and lab materials; manage inventory and supplies.
• Support day-to-day lab operations and equipment maintenance.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, postdocs, and students on ongoing projects.

Skills

Mouse handling

Lab safety

Data recording

Time management

Experiment setup

Record keeping

Education

HS Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Spreadsheets

Databases

Bacterial culture

Cell culture

Plasmid construction

Viral production

Job description

Job Description

The Butts Lab at Rice University is hiring a Research Technician to support research involving mouse husbandry, basic molecular biology, and cell culture maitenance. Key duties include breeding, genotyping, and weaning mice; maintaining colony records; preparing bacterial cultures and plasmids; maintaining cell lines, and performing general lab tasks such as receiving orders, preparing reagents, and maintaining lab organization. The technician will work closely with a graduate student, attend weekly lab meetings, and maintain records in our lab inventory system.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate is reliable, detail-oriented, and comfortable working with mice. This role is well-suited for someone seeking hands-on research experience in a collaborative lab environment.

Workplace Requirements

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

Hiring Range

Hiring Range: $18.08-21.19

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

This position is a full-time, term limited position funded by grant, soft and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the continued availability of funding, ongoing research needs, and satisfactory performance.

Minimum Requirements

• HS Diploma or equivalent
• 2+ years of experience of related experience in a laboratory, research, or technical setting. Relevant academic research experience may be considered toward this requirement.
• In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

Skills

• Ability to conduct experiments and follow established research protocols with accuracy and consistency
• Strong attention to detail in collecting, organizing, and tracking experimental data using spreadsheets or databases
• Familiarity with basic laboratory procedures, including reagent preparation, equipment maintenance, and lab safety practices
• Strong organizational skills for managing supplies, procurement requests, and sample inventory
• Ability to manage time effectively, set up and monitor experiments, and maintain clear, accurate research records for internal use or publication
• Flexibility and reliability in supporting a range of lab functions and responding to evolving research needs

Essential Functions

• Assists with mouse colony management and routine animal research activities in accordance with established laboratory protocols.
• Performs routine laboratory procedures, including bacterial culture, plasmid construction, and viral production.
• Assists with cell culture maintenance and differentiation and develops proficiency in established cell culture techniques.
• Collects, organizes, records, and assists with the analysis of experimental data, maintaining accuracy and reproducibility.
• Maintains complete and accurate laboratory records and documents experimental procedures and results.
• Prepares reagents and laboratory materials and maintains laboratory supplies and inventory.
• Assists with the operation and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment and supports day-to-day laboratory operations.
• Follows established laboratory procedures and safety requirements and maintains a clean and organized research environment.
• Assists with troubleshooting and refinement of experimental procedures under the direction of senior research personnel.
• Works collaboratively with faculty, staff, postdoctoral researchers, and students to support ongoing research activities.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

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

Rice Mission and Values

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 [e-mail] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [e-mail]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.