Details
Posted: 18-Dec-22
Location: Houston, TX, United States,
Type: Full-time
Salary: Open
The annual salary for the position will be $54,840.
Special Instructions to Applicants: Please attach a CV and a brief statement of research experience and interests in the Supporting Documents section of the application in a PDF format. Please note that the applicant tracking system does not convert attachments in Word format successfully.
Position Summary
Rice University's Baker Institute is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct research into the ethical, legal and social implications of emerging biotechnologies, such as those applied in environmental setting, those created using synthetic biology, and those that interface cells and materials.
The Postdoctoral Scholar will be mentored by Baker Institute science policy fellows and faculty from the Department of BioSciences in science policy and communications skills. The scholar also will be responsible for developing materials explaining and promoting synthetic biology to expert and non-expert audiences as well as conducting original research on the ethical, legal and social implications of emerging synthetic biology technologies.
Candidates should have completed or will soon complete a Ph.D. in science or engineering.
Ideal candidates will have training in a science or engineering discipline and an interest in public engagement and science policy, such as policy related to health and the environment.
Founded in 1993, Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy has established itself as one of the premier nonpartisan public policy think tanks in the country. As an integral part of Rice University, the Baker Institute has a strong track record of achievement based on the work of its fellows, scholars, Rice faculty scholars and staff. Rice University also has a large synthetic biology research community, which the scholar can engage with, conducting work in areas including cell-based models of embryos; living microbial sensors; the creation of living chemical and material factories; and cell-material bioelectronic devices.
Essential Functions
- Conduct research, including data collection, validation, and analysis, as assigned using knowledge of modern research methods
- Summarize and communicate results
- Publish and present research findings using excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Support project management and collaboration across institutions or disciplines
- Performs all other duties as assigned
Additional Functions / Information
- Performs all other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
- PhD or other doctoral degree in science or engineering field
- Interest in science ethical, legal and social implications or science policy issues
- Demonstrated track-record of peer-reviewed research
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Organization and time management skills
- Ability to work independently and professionally with minimal supervision and direction
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior public outreach experience including publishing blogs, op-eds or other publications for nonexpert audiences or advocating for scientific research to policymakers.
Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and 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.
Current Rice University COVID policies, which include vaccination, face mask, testing, gatherings, occupancy limits, and travel policies can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies
