The McHugh Lab in the Department of Bioengineering at Rice University seeks to hire a Research Technician II to support research focused on the development of translational vaccine and drug delivery platforms. The lab’s work integrates biomaterials design, advanced manufacturing techniques, and immunoengineering to develop delivery systems for applications ranging from infectious disease prophylaxis to cancer therapeutics.

This position will support an interdisciplinary research project funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focused on developing controlled-release vaccine delivery systems to enable combination vaccines. The research involves fabricating microparticle-based delivery platforms designed to modulate antigen release timing and reduce immunological interference between co-delivered vaccines, including the encapsulation of a next-generation polio vaccine using the Particles Uniformly Liquified and Sealed to Encapsulate Drug (PULSED) platform.

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator and senior research staff, the Research Technician II will independently perform a range of laboratory techniques, support in vitro and in vivo studies, analyze experimental data, and assist with optimizing and troubleshooting established protocols. The role requires close collaboration with postdoctoral researchers and graduate students and contributes directly to the execution of ongoing sponsored research activities.

More information about the McHugh Lab can be found here: https://mchughlab.rice.edu

Special Instructions to Applicants: 

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

Ideal Candidate Statement:
The ideal candidate has prior laboratory research experience and is comfortable independently performing wet lab–based experimental work in a structured research environment. They are detail-oriented, reliable, and capable of executing established protocols while identifying and resolving routine technical issues. The successful candidate works well in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team and is motivated to contribute to translational research focused on vaccine development and global health applications.

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

Hiring Range: $19.74 – $22.69
*Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.
This position is a one-year appointment funded by grant, soft, and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on satisfactory performance and renewal of funding.

Minimum Requirements:

• Associate degree in biomedical engineering, bioengineering, chemical engineering, biology, chemistry, or a related field

  • 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

• 3+ years of relevant laboratory experience, including hands-on wet lab work

  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted

Skills:

• Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite)

• Proficiency in laboratory research skills

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including accurate documentation of experimental data

• Ability to listen and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research team

• Ability to collect, evaluate, and analyze experimental data

• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards in a laboratory environment

Preferences:

• Two or more years of relevant laboratory or research experience

• Prior experience performing wet lab–based experimental work, particularly in biomaterials or immunology-related research

• Experience with biochemical assays such as ELISA

• Familiarity with controlled-release systems, microparticle fabrication, or drug/vaccine delivery research

• Experience supporting in vitro and/or in vivo experimental studies

Essential Functions:

• Assist in conducting laboratory research and experiments supporting vaccine and drug delivery research projects

• Fabricate and process microparticle-based delivery systems using established protocols

• Collect, track, and analyze experimental data using spreadsheets, databases, and laboratory records

• Perform biochemical assays, including ELISA-based methods, to assess vaccine stability and performance

• Assist with in vitro release studies and in vivo experimental workflows in accordance with approved protocols

• Support day-to-day laboratory technical operations, including preparing reagents, creating kits, maintaining equipment, and promoting laboratory safety

• Monitor and maintain research samples, materials, and laboratory inventories; update tracking databases as needed

• Prepare procurement requests and assist with ordering laboratory materials and supplies

• Maintain organized research records to support data analysis, reporting, and publications

• Collaborate with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and senior staff on assigned research activities

• Perform all other duties as assigned in support of laboratory and research operations

About George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing:
The George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs (U.S. News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff, and students in an inclusive environment. We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought; and to support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

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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.