Hardware Research Engineer at Rice University in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

Special Instructions to Applicants: Please attach a cover letter and a curriculum vitae in the Supporting Documents section of the application.

About George R. Brown School of Engineering

The George R. Brown School of Engineering ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs (US 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 we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

Position Summary :

The Kortum Lab at Rice University in the department of Bioengineering seeks a Hardware Research Engineer to support translational clinical research involving optical microscopy for evaluation of margin status during cancer surgery. The Hardware Research Engineer will participate in optomechanical design and development of hardware for array microscopes and sample preparation systems, and will participate in evaluation of imaging performance. Our lab offers multidisciplinary training and involvement in a wide range of optical imaging projects with clinical applications. More information about our lab's research projects may be found here: https://kortum.rice.edu/research

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, and in particular candidates with experience in optical microscopy (optomechanical hardware and/or instrumentation control) and/or translational clinical studies.

Our department, Rice University's Department of Bioengineering, is consistently ranked among the top ten in the nation with resources and recognition aiding the success of our trainees. The department maintains close ties to nearby medical institutions including MD Anderson Cancer Center and Baylor College of Medicine. The campus is located in Houston - the fourth largest and one of the most diverse cities in the US.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate will have experience in optical microscopy (optomechanical hardware and/or instrumentation control) and/or translational clinical studies.

This position is a one-year term-limited position funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding.

Work Arrangement: This position is in-person on the Rice University campus

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related field
• 2+ years of experience
  
  
  • 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:

• Listening, verbal and written communication, analytical, and research skills
• Good scientific and numerical skills with meticulous attention to details and accuracy
• Ability to work in a team environment, to participate actively, to collaborate and to motivate others in the lab
• Critical thinking, technical, and data collection skills
• Statistical and graphical analysis skills
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards in accordance with approved clinical research protocols
• Ability to plan and schedule effectively
• Ability to interact appropriately with clinical personnel and study subjects

Preferences

• Master's Degree
• 3 or more years of experience with optical microscopy (optomechanical hardware and/or instrumentation control) and/or translational clinical studies.

Essential Functions

• Participate in the planning, design, and execution of research projects under the guidance of senior researchers or project leads
• Conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and assist in interpreting results
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to contribute ideas and insights into ongoing research endeavors
• Maintain accurate records of experiments, results, and methodologies employed
• Contribute to the preparation of reports, technical documents, and presentations outlining research findings
• Stay updated on industry trends, advancements, and emerging technologies relevant to the field of research
• Adhere to safety protocols and ensure compliance with regulatory standards during experiments and research activities.
• Participates in specialized research and development of array microscope technologies
• Develops hardware for array microscopes and sample preparation systems in support of clinical studies
• Participates in the preparation of instrumentation for clinical studies
• Participates in data analysis, system evaluation, and optomechanical hardware optimization
• Communicates results through verbal presentations and written reports
• Interacts with clinical personnel and study subjects
• Performs all other duties as assigned

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

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

About Us

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, 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.

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