Postdoctoral Associate - Bioengineering

Position Summary:

The Szablowski Laboratory for Noninvasive Neuroengineering at Rice University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our team. Our lab develops platform technologies for noninvasive monitoring and control of the nervous system, with the goal of accelerating therapeutic discoveries.

This position is supported by a recently awarded BrightFocus Foundation grant and will focus on developing a novel, scalable platform for monitoring cellular physiology in intact tissues. The project carries strong translational potential, with opportunities for impactful biomedical applications.

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in translational biomedical engineering and a desire to develop their own independent research program in this area. Experience in areas such as in vivo experimentation, ophthalmology, nanoparticle synthesis, or nucleic acid (mRNA/DNA) delivery will be preferred. However, candidates with strong potential and training in related fields are also encouraged to apply.

This is a one-year, grant-funded position, renewable for up to three additional years based on performance and funding.

Workplace Requirements:

This is a fully in-person position. The selected candidate will work with research animals and must be able to travel locally to a collaborator’s research site as needed.

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. or other doctoral degree in Bioengineering, Neuroscience, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science, or related discipline
• No prior postdoctoral experience required

Skills:

• Expertise in drug and gene delivery
• Proficiency in data analysis and quantitative methods
• Strong scientific writing and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in collaborative research environments

Preferences:

• Experience with rodent research
• Knowledge of non-viral mRNA and / or DNA delivery technology
• Familiarity with histological techniques

Essential Functions:

• Design DNA and RNA constructs for experimental applications
• Develop and optimize protein-based reporters
• Design and refine protocols for in vivo gene and mRNA delivery
• Perform imaging and histological analysis of experimental samples
• Quantify imaging and histological data for research evaluation
• Prepare research reports, presentations, and publications based on project findings