Research Specialist I at Rice University in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

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:

Dr. Harini Iyer's research group in Rice Biosciences is hiring a Research Specialist I in the area of Neuroimmunology and Cell Biology.

Members of the Iyer laboratory seek to illuminate the complex interplay between the nervous and immune systems during development, homeostasis, and neurodegeneration from the perspective of microglia. We use the vertebrate model organism, zebrafish, widely appreciated for its amenability to live imaging and functional genomic screens, to tackle some exciting questions in the field of neuroimmunology, including: How are signals of extracellular stress transduced to microglia in vivo? Can we gain a deeper understanding of the biology of microglia by defining the functions of neurodegeneration-associated genes? Are there conserved neuroimmune signatures between pediatric and adult neurodegenerative disorders? Collectively, we are a group of curiosity-driven developmental biologists and cell biologists with a shared goal of uncovering fundamental processes in neuroimmunology, thus revealing strategies to prevent or cure neurodegenerative diseases.

This is a benefits-eligible one year term-limited position. While the initial appointment will be for 1-year, the appointment term can be extended contingent on satisfactory performance and on the renewal of funding.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate will help with lab and fish facility management, procurement of supplies, and organizing the lab space. Additionally, the candidate will oversee day-to-day management of the lab and will train undergraduates and junior graduate students. The Research Specialist I will be assigned independent research projects in the lab and will support the research projects of graduate and undergraduate trainees. They will be coauthors on co-author publications.

Salary: $42,500 minimum, with hiring salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Workplace Requirements:

On campus position: This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at Rice University in Houston, Texas.

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

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
  
  
  • 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
  • We will consider candidates with an associate degree or high school diploma with some relevant wet lab experience or considerable training and management skills ( on an equivalent year for year basis)
  
  
• 1 year of experience working in laboratory setting pertinent to animal husbandry and basic cell and molecular biology.

Skills:

• Knowledge of basics of cell biology, genetics, and immunology.
• 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, data collection and interviewing skills
• Statistical and graphical analysis skills
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards
• Ability to plan and schedule effectively

Essential Functions:

• Designs CRISPRs targeting genes associated with neurodegenerative disorders, generates CRISPR-Cas9 mutants in zebrafish, and maintains fish lines.
• Performs molecular biology experiments such as PCR assays, isolation and purification of DNA/RNA, and cloning of transgenes.
• Helps with procurement of lab supplies, laboratory management, and training junior members of the lab.
• Conducts specialized research and experiments
• Collects, tracks, and analyzes data through the use of spreadsheets and databases
• Communicates results through verbal presentations, written reports, and written articles submitted for publication in conjunction with PI
• May assist in the administration of research project
• 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 and 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.

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and the full inclusion of all qualified persons in the workplace. This commitment includes providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. For applicants with disabilities who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

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