Postdoctoral ResearcherThe Veiseh Lab in the Department of Bioengineering at Rice University is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative postdoctoral researcher to lead the development of cell-based therapeutic devices for the treatment of diseases such as cancer, lymphedema, wound infections, diabetes, or infectious diseases. This position supports a clinically oriented, translational research program at the intersection of synthetic biology, biomaterials, and immunoengineering.In this role, the postdoctoral researcher will lead an independent project focused on engineering and evaluating therapeutic devices in relevant preclinical models.
Key responsibilities include conducting cellular engineering experiments, biomaterial characterization, data analysis, and evaluating therapeutic outcomes in translational models. The researcher will also contribute to scientific writing, grant proposals, and present findings at national and international conferences.
The role includes mentoring junior team members and supporting collaborative efforts across disciplines and institutions.The ideal candidate has strong foundational knowledge in molecular biology, bioengineering, and chemistry, along with expertise or demonstrated interest in at least one relevant disease area. They are driven by scientific curiosity, excited to tackle complex biological challenges, and committed to producing high-impact, peer-reviewed research. Strong communication skills, professionalism, and enthusiasm for leadership and collaboration are essential.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: $61,008*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 for up to three years contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of continued funding.Minimum Requirements:Ph.D. in Bioengineering or a closely related field.No experience requiredSkills:Knowledge of biomaterials, cellular engineering, or preclinical disease modelsFamiliarity with translational research and clinically oriented project designAbility to conduct laboratory experiments and characterize therapeutic devices in relevant disease modelsStrong scientific writing and data presentation skills for publications and conferencesAbility to support grant writing, proposal development, and collaborative research effortsCommitment to rigorous scientific methods, lab safety, and accurate record-keepingProfessional communication skills and ability to collaborate across disciplines and institutionsStrong organizational and project management skills in a fast-paced research environmentPreferences:Knowledge of one or more of the following disease areas: cancer, lymphedema, wound infections, diabetes, or infectious diseasesCuriosity, enthusiasm, and drive to solve challenging technical problems and complex biological questionsAbility to analyze and interpret data from peer-reviewed literature, experiments, and disease modelsStrong written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting in group meetings and conferences and an understanding of the manuscript and peer review processAbility to work independently, collaboratively, and professionally within diverse research teamsEnthusiasm for leadership, mentoring, and fostering a collaborative and supportive lab environmentExperience mentoring or training junior researchers in a laboratory settingInterest in developing independent research interests and long-term project leadershipEssential Functions:Leads a project focused on developing a cell-based therapeutic device for the treatment of cancer, lymphedema, wound infections, diabetes, or infectious diseasesInvestigates the impact of the therapeutic device on disease outcomes using translational research modelsDesigns and executes clinically translatable research projectsConducts laboratory experiments involving preclinical models, cellular engineering, and biomaterial characterizationDevelops an independent line of research with the goal of future academic or industry leadershipPublishes research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presents at national and international conferencesMentors and trains junior research team members, including Ph.D. candidates, master's students, and undergraduatesAssists with proposal development and grant writing to support research fundingSupports equipment setup, protocol development, and models best practices in scientific rigor, record-keeping, lab safety, and team collaborationContributes to project management and facilitates collaboration across disciplines and institutionsPerforms other duties as assigned