Research Technician I

Rice University; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University’s Stadler Lab is seeking a Research Technician I to support a Houston-wide wastewater surveillance project. The role involves wet-lab and molecular biology work, sample processing, nucleic acid extraction, and ddPCR analysis in a fast-paced team environment.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in wastewater handling or related molecular work, strong attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate both independently and in teams.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• 2+ years in wastewater handling, sample filtration, DNA/RNA extraction, or Digital PCR.
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required depending on experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conducting wastewater monitoring experiments and data collection.
• Process wastewater samples and perform nucleic acid extraction.
• Carry out molecular assays using digital droplet PCR and maintain lab safety procedures.
• Assist in equipment setup, reagent preparation, and procurement requests.
• Maintain accurate sample and stock databases and support publications.

Skills

Organization

Attention to detail

Communication

Independent work

Teamwork

Data analysis

Molecular biology

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

R

PCR instruments

Nucleic acid extraction

Job description

Stadler Lab is seeking a motivated, organized, and detail-oriented Research Technician I with wet‑lab and molecular biology experience to support a Houston‑wide wastewater surveillance project in partnership with the Houston Health Department and Houston Water.

Position Summary

A major focus of the Stadler Lab is using wastewater monitoring to detect outbreaks and track infectious diseases. The Research Technician I will work with a team of postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate students and will be trained in aspects of the wastewater monitoring project from sample collection through analysis. The position will support wastewater sample processing, nucleic acid extraction, and molecular assays using digital droplet PCR. Given the sensitive nature of the data collected, the Research Technician I must maintain strong attention to detail and carefully follow established laboratory procedures.

Working Conditions

This position is exclusively on‑site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person at Rice University in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. The role includes wet‑laboratory work, wastewater sample handling, routine use of molecular biology equipment, and adherence to laboratory safety and infection‑control procedures.

Hiring Range

$18.00 – $21.19/hour

Employment Type

This is a full‑time, benefits‑eligible, one‑year term‑limited position funded by a grant. Continued employment is contingent upon satisfactory performance, continued research needs, and the availability of funds. Non‑Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Two or more (2+) years of experience in wastewater handling and sample filtration, DNA/RNA extraction, and Digital PCR, or related work. Academic experience may count toward experience requirement.

Skills

• Good organizational skills and strong attention to detail
• Ability to listen and communicate effectively, verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and in team environments
• Ability to conduct basic evaluation and analysis of data
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and infection‑control standards
• Molecular biology skills, including nucleic acid extraction and PCR

Preferences

• Bachelor's degree
• BSL-2 laboratory experience
• Experience with R or other data‑analysis programs

Essential Functions

• Assists in conducting research and experiments.
• Collects and tracks basic data using spreadsheets and databases.
• Supports wastewater handling and sample filtration.
• Performs nucleic acid extraction and molecular assays using digital droplet PCR in accordance with established laboratory procedures.
• Assists in laboratory setup and day‑to‑day technical operations, including promoting safety, maintaining equipment, creating kits, and preparing reagents.
• Prepares procurement requests and orders materials and supplies.
• Manages sample and stock databases.
• Sets up and manages experiments and maintains research results for publications.
• Performs all other duties as assigned

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Equal Employment Opportunity

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.