Research Support Shop Manager

Special Instructions to Applicants:

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

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:
The Research Support Shop (RSS) Manager assumes a senior leadership role overseeing the management, coordination, and optimization of RSS operations. This position involves strategic planning, resource management, personnel supervision, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The incumbent collaborates with various stakeholders, implements best practices, and drives initiatives to enhance efficiency and productivity within the RSS to provide full-service custom apparatus fabrication resources to the Rice research community. The RSS Manager will also lead an annual six-week class for graduate students seeking an introduction to the team's services and products. The RSS provides fabrication services ranging from simply drilling a hole to creating complex scientific instruments. Almost every job completed is one-of-a-kind, serving a unique purpose in a specific lab for a particular piece of research.

Ideal Candidate Statement:
The ideal candidate is a highly organized and proactive professional with proven experience managing specialized laboratory environments. They possess strong technical expertise with advanced proficiency in operating and maintaining complex equipment, ensuring both functionality and safety compliance. A collaborative leader and effective communicator, this individual thrives in an academic setting, balancing hands-on technical support with strategic oversight of processes, policies, and budgets.

Workplace Requirements:
This position is a full-time on-campus role, requiring all duties to be performed in person at the Rice University campus. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $83,400 – $106,400 *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
• 4+ years of experience in a laboratory, fabrication facility, machine shop, or makerspace
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted

Skills:

• Excellent organizational, time management, and verbal and written communication skills
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Attention to detail; ability to be proactive and take initiative
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment
• Excellent analytical skills
• Experience in machining and fabricating mechanical apparatuses for scientific research labs
• Proficient in the setup and safe operation of fabrication and machining equipment

Preferences:

• Experience managing budgets and personnel as a company owner
• More than eight years of experience in instrument and system assembly, and in technical consultation and support
• Ability to partner effectively with other organizations

Essential Functions:

• Assist researchers using the RSS; act independently in contributing to the design of research projects and the development of methods and procedures
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the RSS
• Supervise RSS support personnel
• Assist in formulating and implementing short- and long-range goals for RSS operations; project future needs and formulate strategies accordingly
• Develop and implement RSS policies and procedures; coordinate with research staff on issues impacting lab functions
• May act as liaison to other departments, divisions, or organizations
• Provide guidance as requested regarding hiring and training of technical personnel
• Supervise, train, and instruct interns, students, or other staff in techniques and procedures
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

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 contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or [email protected] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [email protected]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.