Research Technician II

Rice University in; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the field of neuroimmunology is seeking a Research Technician II to join their dynamic team. This role involves hands-on laboratory management and research in a vibrant academic environment. You will engage in groundbreaking studies using zebrafish as a model organism to explore the intricate relationship between the nervous and immune systems. With a focus on neurodegenerative diseases, your contributions will be vital in advancing scientific knowledge and developing innovative solutions. If you are passionate about biology and eager to make a difference, this opportunity offers a collaborative and supportive atmosphere to grow your career.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in biology or life sciences.
• Associate's degree or equivalent lab experience.

Responsibilities

• Design CRISPRs for neurodegenerative disorders in zebrafish.
• Conduct molecular biology experiments and data analysis.
• Manage lab supplies and train junior lab members.

Skills

Cell Biology

Genetics

Immunology

Microsoft Office Suite

Data Analysis

Organization Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Associate's Degree

High School Diploma with Lab Experience

Tools

PCR Assays

DNA/RNA Isolation

CRISPR-Cas9

Job description

Research Technician II (Finance)

Special Instructions to Applicants : In PDF form, applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application.

About Rice

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in how we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name - RICE - Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.

Position Summary

Dr. Harini Iyer's research group in Rice Biosciences is hiring a Research Technician II in the area of Neuroimmunology and Cell Biology.

Members of the Iyer laboratory seek to illuminate the complex interplay between the nervous and immune systems during development, homeostasis, and neurodegeneration from the perspective of microglia. We use the vertebrate model organism, zebrafish, widely appreciated for its amenability to live imaging and functional genomic screens, to tackle some exciting questions in the field of neuroimmunology, including: How are signals of extracellular stress transduced to microglia in vivo? Can we gain a deeper understanding of the biology of microglia by defining the functions of neurodegeneration-associated genes? Are there conserved neuroimmune signatures between pediatric and adult neurodegenerative disorders? Collectively, we are a group of curiosity-driven developmental biologists and cell biologists with a shared goal of uncovering fundamental processes in neuroimmunology, thus revealing strategies to prevent or cure neurodegenerative diseases.

The ideal candidate will help with lab and fish facility management, procurement of supplies, and organizing the lab space. Additionally, the candidate will oversee day-to-day management of the lab and will train undergraduates and junior graduate students.

Workplace Requirements

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

This is a benefits-eligible, one-year term-limited position , with the possibility of extension based on performance and continued funding. The role is supported by grant, soft, or restricted funds, and ongoing employment is contingent upon the renewal of these funds.

The starting salary is $18.89 per hour, with potential for a higher rate based on qualifications and experience. *Non-exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• Associate's degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
  • We will consider candidates with a high school diploma with some relevant wet laboratory experience or considerable training and management skills in a laboratory setting
• 3 years of experience in biology or life sciences in broad terms.

Skills

• Knowledge of basics of cell biology, genetics, and immunology.
• Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet software, including Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficiency in relevant math and research skills
• Good organization skills and strong attention to detail
• Ability to listen and communicate (verbal, written)
• Ability to work independently and in team environments
• Ability to conduct evaluate and analyze data
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards

Essential Functions

• Designs CRISPRs targeting genes associated with neurodegenerative disorders, generates CRISPR-Cas9 mutants in zebrafish, and maintains fish lines.
• Performs molecular biology experiments such as PCR assays, isolation and purification of DNA/RNA, and cloning of transgenes.
• Helps with procurement of lab supplies, laboratory management, and training junior members of the lab.
• Assists in conducting research and experiments
• Collects, tracks, and analyzes data using spreadsheets and databases
• Assists in the setup of the laboratory and day-to-day laboratory technical operations including promoting safety, maintaining equipment, creating kits, and preparing reagents
• Monitors and maintains repository of biological samples
• Prepares procurement requests and orders materials and supplies, manages samples and stocks database, sets-up and manages experiments, and maintains research results for publications
• Performs all other duties as assigned

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

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice 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 contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or [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.