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.
About George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing:
The George R. Brown School of Engineering ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs (US News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff, and students in an inclusive environment.
We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought, and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.
Position Summary:
The Tabor Lab in the Department of Bioengineering at Rice University is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Postdoctoral Researcher to support a multidisciplinary, DARPA-funded project focused on developing a bioelectronic bandage for the prevention of wound infections in resource-limited settings. This position offers the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of synthetic biology, bacterial pathogenesis, and bioengineering.
The Postdoctoral Researcher will lead efforts to engineer bacterial strains that respond to light by secreting compounds that suppress virulence pathways in at least three ESKAPE pathogens—antibiotic-resistant organisms identified as critical threats to public health. Additional responsibilities include engineering strains that attract these pathogens toward localized treatments. The researcher will assess strain performance in vitro and collaborate with internal and external partners on in vivo testing. This position will not involve direct animal work.
Beyond the primary project, the postdoc will contribute to the broader research goals of the Tabor Lab, supporting collaborative efforts and helping to advance ongoing investigations across the group. This includes opportunities for mentorship, scientific writing, and professional development in a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment.
The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in synthetic biology, microbiology, bacterial pathogenesis, or a related field. Preferred qualifications include experience with ESKAPE pathogens and genetic circuit design, along with a strong record of collaboration, communication, and initiative.
For more information about the Tabor Lab’s research, please visit: https://taborlab.rice.edu/
Workplace Requirements:
This is an on-site position, requiring all responsibilities to be carried out in person at Rice University Campus. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.
Hiring Range: $62,232
*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
This is a benefits-eligible, full-time position funded by grant, soft, and/or restricted funds. The appointment is for one year, with the option for renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of continued funding.
Additional Information:
Two Postdoctoral Researcher positions will be hired from this posting, with both appointments expected to begin as soon as possible.
Minimum Requirements:
- Ph.D. in synthetic biology, microbiology, bacterial pathogenesis, or a related field.
- No experience required
Skills:
- Foundational knowledge in synthetic biology, microbiology, bacterial pathogenesis, or a related field
- Familiarity with molecular biology techniques and microbial strain engineering
- Ability to conduct laboratory experiments and analyze experimental data
- Strong scientific writing and oral communication skills
- Commitment to rigorous scientific methods, lab safety, and accurate record-keeping
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment
- Strong organizational skills and initiative in a fast-paced lab setting
Preferences:
- Experience working with ESKAPE pathogens or related bacterial systems
- Experience constructing synthetic gene circuits or engineering bacteria for functional outputs
- Demonstrated interest in translational or applied microbiological research
- Experience mentoring students or contributing to team-based projects
- Enthusiasm for developing independent research directions and engaging in collaborative science
Essential Functions:
- Conducts research to engineer bacterial strains that modulate pathogen behavior in response to light
- Develops and evaluates bacterial strains designed to inhibit virulence or attract pathogens in vitro
- Participates in collaborative research with internal and external partners on in vivo model evaluation (does not conduct animal work)
- Designs and executes experiments using standard molecular biology and microbiology techniques
- Contributes to lab meetings, scientific presentations, and dissemination of research findings
- Supports manuscript preparation, grant reporting, and proposal development
- Assists in mentoring junior researchers and fostering a collaborative lab environment
- Maintains thorough and accurate experimental records and adheres to safety protocols
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview
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 questions, please email us at [email protected]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.
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