Summary
The laboratory of Dr. Caleb J. Bashor in the Department of Bioengineering at Rice University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate. The successful candidate will join a fast-paced, multi-year research initiative focused on mammalian synthetic biology and cell-based therapeutic engineering. This role involves designing and building engineered sense-and-respond functions in stem cells, macrophages, and red blood cells. The position provides an excellent opportunity to generate high-impact publications and establish a strong foundation for a career in academia, industry, or translational research.
Postdoctoral Associate: Mammalian Synthetic Biology at Rice University, US
Designation
Postdoctoral Research Associate / Postdoctoral Associate
Job Overview
| Detail | Description |
| Job Identification | 5767 |
| Institution | Rice University (George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing) |
| Department | Bioengineering (Bashor Lab) |
| Hiring Range | $62,232 (Exempt / Salaried) |
| Job Schedule | Full Time |
| Posting Date | April 29, 2026 |
| Start Date | June 1, 2026 (or flexibly during Summer 2026) |
Research Area
Engineering advanced cell-based therapeutics through mammalian synthetic biology.
Mammalian synthetic biology and cell-based therapeutic engineering. The focus is on developing field-leading synthetic biology platforms to engineer artificial regulatory systems in human cells (such as stem cells, macrophages, and red blood cells).
Location
Houston, TX, United States
(Note: This position is exclusively on-site at Rice University, and all duties must be performed in person.)
Eligibility/Qualification
Minimum Requirements:
- Ph.D. in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, biological sciences, or a closely related field.
- No additional experience beyond graduate research is required.
Preferences:
- Experience in mammalian synthetic biology, cell engineering, or related translational/therapeutic research areas.
- Demonstrated proficiency with molecular biology techniques, mammalian cell culture, and genetic engineering methods.
- Experience with flow cytometry, microscopy, and evaluating engineered cell systems.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills to contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and scholarly work.
Job Description (Key Responsibilities)
- Research & Design: Conduct independent research to support laboratory projects in mammalian synthetic biology and cell-based therapeutic engineering.
- System Evaluation: Develop, construct, and assess engineered cellular systems using established and emerging molecular and cellular engineering methods.
- Experimentation: Execute and optimize experimental procedures involving mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, flow cytometry, and microscopy.
- Data Analysis: Analyze, interpret, and present experimental findings to drive project goals and future research directions.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate, well-organized research records, data documentation, and protocols.
- Collaboration: Work closely with the principal investigator (Dr. Bashor), graduate students, staff scientists, and external partners (including the Texas Medical Center, Rice Synthetic Biology Institute, and the Genetic Design and Engineering Center).
- Publication: Contribute to scientific manuscripts, reports, presentations, and other scholarly outputs.
- Lab Operations: Support general laboratory research operations and perform other duties as assigned.
How to Apply
- All interested applicants should apply via the Rice University careers portal.
- Required Documents: Attach a resume/CV in the supporting documents section of the application. It is highly recommended to submit the document in a PDF format to avoid formatting issues.
- For questions or additional inquiries, contact jobs@rice.edu.
- If you require a reasonable accommodation for the application process, please email the Human Resources Office at facstaffada@rice.edu.
Last Date for Apply
Open Now
- Not Specified. The position is currently open and active (posted on April 29, 2026). However, because the preferred start date is June 1, 2026 (or summer 2026), it is highly recommended to apply as soon as possible. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding and satisfactory performance.
