Postdoctoral Associate - Chemistry

Postdoctoral Research Associate

The group of Dr. Han Xiao at Rice University is looking for Postdoctoral Research Associates to join a collaborative translational research initiative. This position will focus on advancing a next-generation Lymphatic Imaging Project.

The successful candidate will play a leading role in driving this translational research by developing specialized imaging tools, overseeing complex data analysis, and spearheading the regulatory steps necessary for conducting human clinical studies.

Rice University is one of the top private research universities in the United States, ranked 17th in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report for national research universities. Located in Houston, the fourth largest city in the U.S., the laboratory is adjacent to the world's largest biomedical center, including MD Anderson Cancer Center and Baylor College of Medicine among over a dozen top biomedical research institutions.

Rice University has made significant contributions in the fields of materials science, nanoscience, and artificial heart research.

This is a full-time in-person position at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Weekends and evenings are not required, though the candidate may work at these times at their discretion. Travel outside of Rice University is not required for the position, though the successful candidate will be encouraged to attend at least one relevant scientific conference during their tenure in order to further their professional development.

This position is funded through grant, soft, and/or restricted funds with an anticipated end date of one year. Continued employment is contingent upon continued funding.

Hiring Range: $48,000-$65,000, commensurate with education & experience.

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

Required Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, or closely related scientific fields

Required Skills:

• Multi-step synthesis of fluorescent dyes/contrast agents
• Able to use spectroscopy to characterize compounds
• Able to work independently and professionally with minimal supervision and direction
• Ability to write scholarly papers based on ongoing research and submit them to journals for publication
• Able to work in a collaborative environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as oral presentation skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in either dye/contrast reagent development OR photoacoustic imager engineering
• Strong analytical abilities, a proven track record of scientific publication, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively across two dynamic research labs

Preferences:

• Previous experience with IND (Investigational New Drug) studies
• Familiarity with FDA regulatory processes and compliance for medical devices or contrast agents
• Prior experience working in a startup environment, clinical research, or translational medicine

Essential Functions:

• Design, synthesize, and optimize novel dyes/contrast reagents, or develop and engineer advanced photoacoustic imaging systems for lymphatic mapping
• Lead the experimental design, data collection, and comprehensive analysis for the lymphatic imaging project
• Coordinate and execute human clinical studies in collaboration with cross-functional research teams
• Drive the preparation of documentation and provide technical expertise for FDA regulatory processes, including IND applications
• Publishes and presents research findings
• Supports project management and collaboration across institutions or disciplines
• Mentors, oversees, and/or trains junior research team members
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University's Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us nk you for your interest in employment with Rice University.