Postdoctoral Associate, Bioengineering

About the Role

The laboratory of Dr. Caleb J. Bashor in the Department of Bioengineering at Rice University seeks to hire a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct high-impact research in mammalian synthetic biology and cell-based therapeutic engineering. This position is well suited for a researcher eager to apply their skills to ambitious therapeutic design challenges. The position offers opportunities to drive independent research directions, generate high-impact publications, and build a strong foundation for a future career. This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at Rice University.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct independent research in support of laboratory projects focused on mammalian synthetic biology and cell-based therapeutic engineering.
• Develop, construct, and evaluate engineered cellular systems using established and emerging molecular and cellular engineering methods.
• Perform and optimize experimental procedures involving mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, flow cytometry, microscopy, and related laboratory techniques.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental findings to support project goals and inform future research directions.
• Maintain accurate and well-organized research records, protocols, and data documentation.
• Collaborate closely with the principal investigator, graduate students, staff scientists, and external research partners on ongoing projects.
• Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, reports, and other scholarly and research outputs.
• Support general laboratory research operations and perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Ph.D. in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, biological sciences, or a closely related field.
• Experience in mammalian synthetic biology, cell engineering, or related areas of translational or therapeutic research.
• Demonstrated experience with molecular biology techniques, mammalian cell culture, and genetic engineering methods.
• Experience with flow cytometry, microscopy, and other methods used to evaluate engineered cell systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment and contribute to interdisciplinary projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and other scholarly work.

Preferred start date: June 1, 2026 (flexible within summer 2026).

Hiring Range: $62,232.

This is a term-limited, full-time benefits eligible position, funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding and satisfactory performance.