Postdoctoral Associate - Bioengineering

Position Summary

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. The successful candidate will contribute to a fast-paced, multi-year research effort focused on building engineered sense-and-respond functions in stem cells, macrophages, and red blood cells.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, biological sciences, or a closely related field
• No additional experience beyond graduate research is required

Preferences

• 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

Essential Functions

• 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