Rice University · 1 week ago
Research Scientist II
Houston, TX, United States
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$100K/yr - $106K/yr
3+ years expRice University is a top-ranked institution located in Houston, Texas, seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to join their experimental laboratory in the Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering. The role involves conducting cutting-edge research on complex oxide and nitride thin films, managing research projects, and ensuring an efficient lab environment.
EducationHigher EducationService IndustryUniversities
Responsibilities
Manages complex research projects and related budgets
Conducts independent experimental research, supports ongoing laboratory studies, and develops or refines new protocols, methodologies, and theoretical approaches
Conducts complex experiments, analyzes data using advanced techniques, and interprets results to generate meaningful scientific insights
Communicates the results of scientific research through papers, conferences, presentations, etc., thereby actively working to improve the laboratory's reputation and scientific capabilities
Maintains awareness of emerging technologies, methods, and developments relevant to the research area
Develops, supports the formulation of, and/or writes research proposals to gain access to user facilities and obtain funding for research
Organizes, writes, and otherwise plays a leading role in developing program reports and presentations related to the research
Mentors, supervises, and trains undergraduate students, graduate researchers, and postdoctoral scholars on laboratory systems, research topics, and best practices
Coordinates laboratory safety initiatives and serves as a primary point of contact for safety-related matters
Promotes a safe, efficient, and collaborative work environment by training new members, managing supply needs, and coordinating routine equipment maintenance with superusers
Provides 'institutional memory' on core facilities, hardware, and methodologies to ensure continuity of effort and understanding within the laboratory
Supports or leads the procurement and installation of major research instrumentation and equipment
Establishes and maintains effective systems for communication regarding laboratory activities and operational status
Ensures all research activities adhere to applicable safety regulations and ethical standards
Performs all other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Doctoral degree
3+ years of postdoctoral experience
High proficiency and comprehensive knowledge of information management, knowledge management, and publication management
Possess a logical and independent mindset
Excellent interpersonal skills such as patience, determination, flexibility, and decisiveness
Excellent listening, verbal and written communication, analytical, and research skills
Excellent scientific and numerical skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to work in a team environment, participate actively, collaborate, and motivate others in the lab
Preferred
Synthesis of complex oxide/nitride/related thin films (via PLD, MBE, sputtering, etc.)
Structural characterization of thin-film materials, including laboratory and/or synchrotron-based X-ray scattering
Scanning-probe microscopy (including AFM, PFM, KPFM, and others)
Dielectric/piezoelectric/pyroelectric/ferroelectric/magnetic/multiferroic device fabrication and property measurement in thin-film geometries
Synchrotron-based studies of complex oxides, including soft- and hard-X-ray spectromicroscopy
Experience in cleanroom/nanofabrication-based processes producing device structures
Experience with LabView and basic programming knowledge, as well as various electronics (including troubleshooting)
Hands-on experience in the relevant research area and with associated laboratory equipment
Exceptional critical thinking, research acumen, and technical expertise
Outstanding editing and presentation skills, capable of engaging various audiences, including researchers, faculty, staff, and students from diverse technical backgrounds
Exceptional time-management and organizational skills
Commitment to promoting and upholding best practices in research laboratory operations
Demonstrates adeptness with instrumentation, displaying a rapid grasp of new experimental techniques and instruments to become proficient swiftly
Company
Rice University
Rice University is a private research university that focuses on providing undergraduate education services.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Rice University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (113)
2024 (81)
2023 (71)
2022 (65)
2021 (82)
2020 (86)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$80.9MKey Investors
National Heart, Lung and Blood InstituteAdvanced Research Projects Agency for HealthUS Department of Energy
2024-09-19Grant
2024-08-13Grant· $18M
2023-07-27Grant
Leadership Team
Ken Medlock
James A Baker III and Susan G Baker Fellow in Energy and Resource Economics
Kyle Judah
Executive Director, Liu Idea Lab for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Lilie)
Recent News
2025-12-16
2025-12-16
2025-11-23
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