Postdoctoral Associate - Bioengineering

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.

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, lectures 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 the way 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:

The Szablowski Laboratory for noninvasive neuroengineering at Rice University seeks to hire a postdoctoral research associate. The Szablowski Lab is focused on developing technologies for noninvasive control and monitoring of the brain. In our work, we combine synthetic biology, molecular engineering, and strategies for enhanced gene and drug delivery into the central nervous system. Our goals are to understand neural circuit function and treat brain disorders with fewer side effects.

Due to its location at the boundary between Rice University and the Texas Medical Center—the largest medical center in the world—the lab is uniquely positioned to advance its technologies towards the clinic with active collaborations with clinician-scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Methodist, and Texas Heart Institute.

The position involves conducting advanced research in focused ultrasound (FUS) and blood-brain barrier opening (FUS-BBBO) with an emphasis on gene delivery applications. The candidate will collaborate on experiments, particularly involving non-human primates, and utilize image-guided focused ultrasound techniques. Responsibilities include designing and optimizing protocols for FUS-BBBO gene delivery, performing histological imaging and analysis, and quantifying imaging and histological results. The role requires travel to collaborators’ research sites and active participation in FUS-BBBO experiments. Additionally, the candidate will document research findings through detailed reports, presentations, and publications, contributing to the advancement of focused ultrasound research and applications.

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled researcher with expertise in focused ultrasound (FUS) and blood-brain barrier opening (FUS-BBBO), particularly in gene delivery applications. They have experience conducting experiments involving non-human primates and proficiency in image-guided focused ultrasound techniques. The candidate demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and critical thinking skills, enabling them to design and optimize protocols for FUS-BBBO gene delivery effectively. They excel in histological imaging, data analysis, and quantification of results, paired with exceptional organizational skills to manage complex research projects.

In addition to technical expertise, the candidate possesses excellent communication skills, including the ability to document findings through detailed reports, professional presentations, and publications. They are highly collaborative, capable of working effectively with multidisciplinary teams, and willing to travel to research sites to actively engage in experimental work. Their proactive attitude, attention to detail, and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge make them a valuable contributor to focused ultrasound research and its applications.

This position is a four-year term-limited position funded by a recent grant. Continued employment is contingent on the performance and maintenance of the funding.

More info about Szablowski Lab: https://www.szablowskilab.org 

Workplace Requirements: 

This is an on-campus position. The chosen candidate will work with research animals and have the ability to drive to a collaborator’s research site.  Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $62,000 

*Exempt (sal