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 Hilton and Diehl labs at Rice University are seeking a talented and highly motivated postdoctoral associate to join our team. The selected individual will develop novel molecular tools to analyze and control chemical modifications to human chromatin. Our labs utilize cutting-edge genome and epigenome engineering technologies to modulate and investigate molecular states in native chromatin contexts. These efforts are supported by advanced molecular biology techniques and microscopy platforms, with the goal of uncovering regulatory mechanisms and molecular signatures involved in inflammation, cancer, and other human diseases.

Key responsibilities include engineering CRISPR-based tools and developing assays for in-depth analysis of histone modifications. The postdoctoral associate will apply advanced methods in epigenetics and gene regulation to quantify histone modifications, transcription factor binding, and chromatin accessibility. Additional duties include experimental design, data analysis, and dissemination of findings through presentations and publications in high-impact journals.

The ideal candidate will have a solid conceptual foundation in epigenetics, chromatin biology, and gene regulation. They will demonstrate the ability to independently conduct experiments, analyze complex data, and contribute meaningfully to collaborative scientific endeavors. A strong publication record with at least one first-author publication is strongly preferred. A commitment to research excellence and an interest in understanding gene regulation in human disease are essential.

In addition to technical proficiency, the candidate should possess strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to document and present research findings clearly and effectively. Willingness to work in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments—particularly in coordination with partners at the Texas Medical Center—is highly valued. A proactive mindset, attention to detail, and dedication to scientific advancement will contribute to success in this role.

This is a one-year term-limited position supported by a Welch Foundation Grant with the possibility of renewal for an additional year. Continued employment is contingent upon satisfactory performance and ongoing funding. This posting will remain open until a candidate is hired or until September 1, 2025. 

Learn more about our work:

Hilton Lab: https://hiltonlab.rice.edu/

Diehl Lab: https://diehllab.rice.edu

Workplace Requirements:

This is an on-site position, requiring all responsibilities to be carried out in person. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: Salary offered will be determined based on an individual's experience and the salary guidelines established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime. 

This position is a benefits eligible, full-time position funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds.

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. or other doctoral degree in Bioengineering, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Immunology, Genetics or related field.
• No e