Director of Research

Position Summary

The Rice Synthetic Biology Institute (RSBI) seeks to catalyze collaborative research in synthetic biology and accelerate the translation of discoveries into technologies that benefit society.

The Institute strengthens the synthetic biology community at Rice by coordinating activities across schools and fostering partnerships with regional industry, government, academic, and global leaders in the field.

Research areas include living therapeutics, living materials, living electronics, and foundational synthetic biology technologies.

The Director of Research leads the research development activities of the Institute. Serving as a strategic partner to the Faculty Director and Deputy Faculty Director, this role focuses on expanding the Institute’s research portfolio through proactive funding identification, development of multidisciplinary collaborative teams and proposals, and management of complex funded research projects.

The Director of Research also oversees key operational and administrative initiatives that support the Institute’s long‑term research mission and growth.

The ideal candidate is a research leader with a strong track record of contributing to the discipline of synthetic biology and securing and managing large multidisciplinary research initiatives in an academic or research‑intensive environment.

They possess exceptional relationship‑building and communication skills, with the ability to connect faculty, external academic partners, industry partners, sponsors, and institutional leadership to develop competitive funding opportunities and impactful collaborations.

This individual is highly organized, creative, and solutions‑oriented, with excellent analytical abilities and demonstrated experience leading complex grant‑writing efforts and managing research programs.

The successful candidate will thrive in a fast‑paced environment, bring a collaborative leadership style, and be passionate about advancing innovation and scientific discovery in synthetic biology.

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in‑office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

$95,900 – $120,000

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering, Biosciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related biological research field.

Experience:

4+ years of experience in research, research grant writing, or research project management.

• Design and validation of engineered biological systems.
• Strong track record of collaborative research across disciplines.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate institutional priorities into actionable research and funding strategies.
• Excellent relationship‑building skills with faculty, external academic partners, sponsors, donors, and institutional leadership.
• Adept at problem‑solving, creating contingency plans, and handling issues when necessary.
• Ability to lead and motivate others.
• Strategic skills to craft and implement project plans.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Biosciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related biological research field.

• Identifies large‑scale, collaborative funding opportunities and develops strategies to expand the Institute’s research portfolio.
• Builds research teams by connecting faculty with external academic institutions and industry partners to pursue complex grants.
• Leads the writing and technical development of grant proposals, ensuring compelling scientific narratives and high‑quality submissions.
• Manages funded projects and Institute initiatives, including oversight of budgets, milestones, and reporting requirements.
• Develops and implements strategic plans to ensure the Institute achieves its mission and long‑term research goals.
• Contributes to the preparation and writing of Institute reports for university leadership and external partners, as needed.

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