"Research Specialist I (McHugh)"

Position Summary

The McHugh Lab in the Department of Bioengineering at Rice University seeks to hire a Research Specialist I laboratory technician to support research focused on the development of novel vaccine and drug delivery platforms. At a high level, the McHugh Lab is focused on the development of translational drug delivery platforms with the potential to address a variety of conditions ranging from prophylaxis for infectious diseases to cancer therapies.

This position will support an interdisciplinary research project funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focused on the development of controlled-release vaccine delivery systems. The research aims to enable combination vaccines by using particle-based encapsulation strategies to offset antigen release timing and mitigate immunological interference between co-delivered vaccines. In particular, the project involves encapsulating a next-generation polio vaccine within microparticles fabricated using the Particles Uniformly Liquified and Sealed to Encapsulate Drug (PULSED) platform, in coordination with a soluble vaccine component.

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior lab members, the Research Specialist I will assist with microparticle fabrication, in vitro release studies, biochemical characterization of vaccine stability, and in vivo experimental work, as well as data collection and analysis. The role requires close collaboration with postdoctoral researchers and graduate students and provides hands-on experience in biomaterials-based vaccine delivery within a multidisciplinary academic research environment.

More information about the McHugh Lab can be found here.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate holds a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field and is interested in gaining hands-on research experience in translational vaccine and drug delivery systems. They are detail-oriented, reliable, and comfortable working in a laboratory environment under supervision, following established protocols, learning new techniques, and collaborating effectively with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty on interdisciplinary research projects.

Workplace Requirements

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range

$46,000 - $52,900
*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.*
This position is a one-year appointment funded by grant, soft, and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on satisfactory performance and renewal of funding.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering, bioengineering, chemical engineering, biology, chemistry, or a related field
• 1+ years of relevant laboratory experience, including hands-on wet lab work
  1. In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience above and beyond what is required may be substituted on a year-for-year basis

Skills

• Ability to perform laboratory techniques accurately and reproducibly following written protocols
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Basic data analysis and record-keeping skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and collaboratively within a research team
• Commitment to laboratory safety and compliance standards

Preferences

• Familiarity with biomaterials, drug delivery, or immunology concepts
• Experience with assays such as ELISA or other biochemical characterization techniques
• Exposure to in vitro or in vivo experimental work
• Interest in translational research and vaccine development

Essential Functions

• Fabricate and process polymer-based microparticles using established laboratory protocols
• Conduct in vitro release studies to evaluate controlled-release vaccine delivery systems
• Perform biochemical assays, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), to assess vaccine stability and performance
• Assist with in vivo studies in accordance with approved protocols and institutional guidelines
• Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data; maintain accurate laboratory records
• Prepare reagents, materials, and equipment for experiments; support general laboratory operations
• Follow established safety, compliance, and quality control procedures
• Collaborate effectively with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and other lab members
• Perform other research-related duties as assigned to support ongoing projects

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.*