"Postdoctoral Associate - Bioengineering"

Position Summary

The Microtechnologies Laboratory for Pediatric Oncology in the Department of Bioengineering at Rice University is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to join the Vlassakis Lab beginning in early January 2026. The Vlassakis Lab develops microtechnologies to study molecular interactions in pediatric cancers at the single-cell and single-molecule scales. This position is funded by grants from CPRIT and the Welch Foundation.

The postdoctoral Associate will lead collaborative projects characterizing the solubility and structural ensembles of the intrinsically disordered protein EWS-FLI1, the driver fusion oncoprotein of the childhood bone cancer Ewing sarcoma. One project will assess how heterogeneity in protein solubility influences cancer cell phenotypes. This project integrates biochemical analysis, optical imaging, and microfluidic separation design to innovate in single-cell protein analysis. The second project involves the design of novel sample preparation strategies for cryo-EM to visualize conformational ensembles of EWS-FLI1, thereby informing rational drug design. The Associate will have access to equipment in the Shared Equipment Authority at Rice (including cleanroom nanofabrication equipment). The Associate will also collaborate with the Baylor College of Medicine CryoEM Core, just minutes away within the Texas Medical Center.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in developing bioanalytical methods for cellular and molecular biology, with preferred experience in intrinsically disordered protein measurements, biomolecule separations, and microfabrication. Strong written and oral communication skills, demonstrated through prior publications and presentations, are essential. As a key senior team member, the candidate will contribute to supervising junior lab members and assisting with research proposal preparation. The Associate will also receive mentorship in applying for competitive internal and external postdoctoral fellowships.

More information about the Vlassakis lab can be found here.

Workplace Requirements

This is an on-campus position with some remote flexibility where appropriate. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $62,000 - 65,000

This is a one-year, full-time, benefits-eligible position funded by grant support. Renewal is contingent upon satisfactory performance and the continued availability of funding.

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

Additional information:

The preferred start date for this position is on or before January 19, 2026. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis in December, and finalists will be invited to visit campus during the week of December 17-22, 2025. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for full consideration.

Minimum Requirements

• PhD in bioengineering, chemical engineering, biochemistry, chemistry, or a related field
• No experience required

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with fundamental principles of separation science and mass transport
• Experience or coursework in micro- and nanofabrication techniques
• Demonstrated interest in advancing drug discovery efforts for pediatric cancers

Skills

• Strong foundation in protein biochemistry
• Curiosity, enthusiasm, and drive to tackle challenging technical problems and complex biological questions using literature, well-designed experiments, and analytical models
• Understanding of basic principles of thermodynamics and transport phenomena
• Interest in developing expertise in areas such as microfluidic assay design, microfabrication, single-cell analysis, or structural biology sample preparation and analysis
• Strong listening and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present effectively in group meetings and conferences
• Enthusiasm for leadership, supporting team members, and contributing to a collaborative laboratory environment
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and professionally
• Strong written communication skills and familiarity with the manuscript and peer-review process

Essential Functions

• Investigate design parameters that reduce conformational heterogeneity of disordered proteins in cryoEM
• Design and prototype microdevices for measuring protein solubility and visualizing protein structures at the single-cell level
• Develop analysis approaches for quantifying protein solubility from microscale separation assays
• Publish papers and present findings at national and international conferences
• Mentor and train junior research team members, such as PhD candidates, master's students, and undergraduates
• Assist with proposal development to obtain research funding
• Assist with lab operations, including protocol development and role modeling best practices in rigorous science, record-keeping, lab safety, and being a team player in the lab.
• Support project management and collaboration across institutions or disciplines
• Perform all other duties as assigned