Research Technician 2

The Xie Laboratory develops technologies that integrate engineered electronics with the nervous system to better understand, interact with, and augment living systems. Current work includes the development of scalable, tissue-integrated electrical neural interfaces using ultra-flexible nanoelectronic threads (NETs) designed to support reliable, long-term neural recording.

The Research Technician II will support projects involving the fabrication of ultra-flexible neural electrodes and related research and development activities. The position will perform standard MEMS fabrication processes in a cleanroom environment and support process development for ongoing research projects. 

Ideal Candidate Statement: 

The ideal candidate has hands-on cleanroom experience and working knowledge of semiconductor or MEMS fabrication processes. They are comfortable operating complex equipment, following established procedures, supporting process development, analyzing fabrication data, and working carefully and independently in a collaborative research environment.

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.

Workplace Requirements:

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

Hiring Range: $21.63–$23.00/hour

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

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

Minimum Requirements:

•  Associate degree

• Three or more (3+) years of related experience in a cleanroom, semiconductor fabrication, MEMS fabrication, research laboratory, or closely related technical environment.

Skills: 

• Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet software, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficiency in relevant math and research skills.
• Good organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to listen and communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and in team environments.
• Ability to evaluate and analyze data.
• Ability to maintain quality and safety standards.

Preferences:

• Education in physical science, chemical science, materials science, engineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with semiconductor or MEMS fabrication in a cleanroom environment.
• Experience with photolithography, metal deposition, and dry and/or wet etch processes.
• Experience with neural probe fabrication, microfabrication process development, device assembly, or device characterization.

Essential Functions:

• Conducts neural probe fabrication and related research activities using established cleanroom and microfabrication processes with general guidance.
• Collects, tracks, evaluates, and analyzes fabrication and experimental data using spreadsheets, databases, and other research tools.
• Supports process development and research activities related to ultra-flexible neural electrodes, including photolithography, metal deposition, etching, and related fabrication steps.
• Supports day-to-day laboratory and cleanroom technical operations, including promoting safety, maintaining equipment and work areas, and preparing materials and reagents.
• Prepares procurement requests and orders materials and supplies; manages samples, stocks, and research materials used in fabrication activities.
• Supports setup and management of experiments and maintains research results and documentation for reports and publications.
• Provides technical guidance and training to undergraduate and graduate researchers on established cleanroom procedures and equipment use, as assigned.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

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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 get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at [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.