Research Specialist

Research Specialist

The Kortum Lab in Rice University's Department of Bioengineering seeks a Research Specialist to support translational clinical research involving optical microscopy for evaluation of margin status during cancer surgery. Working under supervised guidance, the Research Specialist will contribute to array microscope development, sample preparation system development, clinical instrumentation and software preparation, data collection, and evaluation of imaging performance. The role includes work in clinical settings and collaboration with personnel at institutions in the adjacent Texas Medical Center.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate has experience with optical microscopy, including optomechanical hardware and/or instrumentation control, and/or translational clinical studies. The candidate should be comfortable assembling and operating research instrumentation, collecting and tracking clinical research data, following quality-control procedures, and working collaboratively with clinical personnel and study subjects.

Workplace Requirements

This position is exclusively on-site, with duties performed in person on the Rice University campus during the department's regular business hours. When clinical studies are underway, the Research Specialist may frequently travel between Rice and collaborating institutions in the adjacent Texas Medical Center to operate and maintain instruments. Occasional schedule adjustments may be required to support clinical research activities. Per Rice Policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $42,925 - $52,900 annually.

This is an exempt, salaried position and is not eligible for overtime.

This is a term limited, one-year position is funded by grant, soft, and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related field
• One or more (1+) years of related experience
• Additional related education, above and beyond the required degree, may substitute for the experience requirement on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

Skills

• Listening, verbal and written communication, analytical, and research skills

• Good scientific and numerical skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy

• Ability to work in a team environment, participate actively, collaborate, and motivate others in the lab

• Critical thinking, technical, and data collection skills

• Statistical and graphical analysis skills

• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards in accordance with approved clinical research protocols

• Ability to plan and schedule effectively

• Ability to interact appropriately with clinical personnel and study subjects

Preferences

• Experience with optical microscopy, including optomechanical hardware and/or instrumentation control, and/or translational clinical studies

Essential Functions

• Conducts specialized research and experiments involving array microscope technologies

• Assembles, tests, and maintains array microscopes and sample preparation systems in support of clinical studies

• Participates in the preparation of instrumentation and software for clinical studies

• Operates instruments and collects data in clinical settings, including operating rooms and pathology laboratories

• Collects, tracks, and analyzes data and implements quality-control procedures

• Communicates results through verbal presentations and written reports

• Interacts appropriately with clinical personnel and study subjects

• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Additional Functions

• Travels between Rice University and collaborating institutions in the adjacent Texas Medical Center as needed to operate and maintain research instruments