Research Technician II

Rice University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University's Zhang Lab seeks a Research Technician II to support cell-free synthetic biology research. You will work closely with graduate students, postdocs, and the PI to perform established workflows, prepare materials, maintain records, and ensure consistency across projects.

The role requires strong lab technique, attention to detail, and the ability to execute complex procedures accurately. Responsibilities include updating procedures and maintaining continuity as personnel or

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Three years of related laboratory or research experience.
• Equivalent year-for-year substitution allowed for education or experience.

Responsibilities

• Execute complex, multi-step cell-free synthetic biology workflows.
• Prepare and perform quality control on reagents, strains, cell lines, extracts, buffers, and other laboratory materials.
• Maintain organized research materials, records, and standardized workflows across projects.
• Update SOPs and contribute to workflow improvements as procedures evolve.
• Coordinate inventory management and routine lab stocking.
• Assist with data and protocol sharing with collaborating laboratories.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

SOP adherence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology/Bioengineering/Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

Molecular biology techniques

Laboratory databases

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

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.

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

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.