Postdoctoral Associate - Chemistry

Position Summary

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.

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 to further their professional development.

Finally, 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.

$48,000–$65,000, commensurate with education & experience.

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

• 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

• 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

• 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
• Publish and present research findings
• Support project management and collaboration across institutions or disciplines
• Mentor, oversee, and/or train junior research team members
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Benefits are available.

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.