Job Description

Special Instructions to Applicants: Please attach a cover letter and a curriculum vitae, and portfolio in the Supporting Documents section of the application.

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, lecture 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 and Computing 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:

Dr. Vanessa Sanchez's newly established lab in the Rice University Department of Mechanical Engineering is hiring a Textile Lab Research Specialist. The lab works at the intersection of materials, manufacturing, and robotics and this role represents an opportunity to be at the forefront of developing assistive wearable technologies and smart materials that find applications in critical sectors like healthcare, aerospace, and energy.

As part of the diverse and dynamic lab, your day-to-day tasks will involve hands-on research tasks and assistance with research management. You'll play a pivotal role in tackling challenging textile-related research problems using novel and unconventional materials, training emerging researchers, and keeping the lab running smoothly. It's a position that requires expertise in textile technology and exceptional organizational skills . This role is a full-time onsite position.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate is a creative problem solver who leverages their expertise as part of a research team. They are proactive, highly organized, and passionate about new technologies. They can thrive in an academic research environment and enjoy collaborating with researchers, students, and the broader community.

This is a 1-year term-limited position with potential for extension, contingent on the renewal of funding .

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
• 3+ years of related experience in softgoods development or advanced textiles research
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted

Skills:

• Familiarity with textile engineering and manufacturing, including programming, machinery operation and troubleshooting
• Skilled with the Apex software series
• Proficient in technical softgoods design and prototyping
• Excellent listening, verbal and written communication, analytical, and research skills
• Superior scientific and numerical skills with meticulous attention to details and accuracy
• Proficient and comprehensive knowledge of information management, knowledge management and publication management
• Ability to work in a team environment, to participate actively, to collaborate and to motivate others in the lab
• Excellent critical thinking, technical, data collection and interviewing skills
• Excellent statistical and graphical analysis skills
• Ability to maintain quality, safety and / or infection control standards
• Ability to plan and schedule effectively

Preferences:

• Experience in scripting or developing in the Python programming language or willingness to seek training to work with the Knitout programming specification

Essential Functions:

• Researches and develops technical textile materials / devices / samples and produces documentation materials such that concepts can be reviewed and understood by team members
• Provides expertise and design input for the development of advanced textile structures and devices
• Maintains textile laboratory equipment through routine maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs
• Procures research materials and supplies for the laboratory and maintains inventory
• Ensures and promotes lab safety and routine laboratory hygiene
• Trains and assists research team members regarding textile equipment and techniques
• Tracks and documents findings through the use of spreadsheets and databases
• Communicates results through verbal presentations, written reports, representative figures, and written articles submitted for publication in conjunction with PI and research team
• Assists with laboratory management and setup and may assist in the administration of research projects
• Monitors research budget
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits:

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

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