Research Technician II

The Zhang Lab in the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing at Rice University is seeking a Research Technician II to support research in cell-free synthetic biology. Working closely with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and the principal investigator, the Research Technician II will carry out established experimental workflows, prepare and maintain research materials, support laboratory operations, and help ensure consistency across ongoing projects.

The Zhang Lab in the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing at Rice University is seeking a Research Technician II to support research in cell-free synthetic biology. Working closely with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and the principal investigator, the Research Technician II will carry out established experimental workflows, prepare and maintain research materials, support laboratory operations, and help ensure consistency across ongoing projects.

The role requires strong laboratory technique, attention to detail, and the ability to execute complex, multi-step procedures accurately and reproducibly. The technician will also maintain research records and tracking systems, support updates to laboratory procedures, and help provide continuity as projects and research personnel change.

All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

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

$19.00 - $23.00/hour

• Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

This is a one-year, full-time, benefits-eligible position funded by grant, soft, and/or restricted funds and may be renewed based on continued funding availability, ongoing research needs, and performance.

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
• Three years of related laboratory or research experience. Directly related academic research experience may count toward this requirement.
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above the minimum requirement may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

• Ability to follow complex laboratory procedures accurately and consistently
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to maintain accurate research records and work effectively as part of a research team

• Experience with molecular biology, synthetic biology, cell-free systems, biochemical assays, or related laboratory methods
• Experience preparing biological reagents, buffers, constructs, extracts, strains, or cell lines
• Experience maintaining laboratory databases, inventories, or structured research records
• Experience working with standard operating procedures in a research laboratory

• Partners with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to execute complex, multi-step cell-free synthetic biology workflows
• Prepares and performs quality control on reagents, strains, cell lines, extracts, buffers, and other laboratory materials
• Executes established SOPs accurately and reproducibly across projects and documents deviations or technical issues
• Assists with updates to SOPs and workflow improvements as research procedures evolve
• Maintains organized research materials, records, and standardized workflows to support continuity across projects and personnel transitions
• Maintains and updates databases used to track constructs, extracts, reagents, and assay results and assists with improvements to tracking systems
• Supports the exchange of data, protocols, and research materials with collaborating laboratories
• Maintains reagent inventories and consumable supplies and coordinates routine laboratory stocking and preparation
• Coordinates shared-equipment scheduling and supports equipment maintenance and vendor interactions
• Assists with laboratory organization and day-to-day technical operations
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

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