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Position Summary

A full-time postdoctoral research position is available in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University under the supervision of Dr. Lauren Stadler. The postdoctoral researcher will join a dynamic team working one of the most advanced and expansive city-wide wastewater disease surveillance systems. This is a highly collaborative project with the Houston Health Department, Houston Water, and several other faculty members at Rice including Todd Treangen (Computer Science), Kathy Ensor (Statistics), and Loren Hopkins (Health Department/Statistics). We currently monitoring 39 wastewater treatment plants and 100+ additional sites (schools, nursing homes, homeless shelters, jail, lift stations) across Houston and data is used to inform public health action in real time.

The ideal candidate has experience in some or all of the following areas: (1) molecular techniques, including nucleic acid extractions and qPCR or ddPCR; (2) sequencing and bioinformatics; and/or (3) environmental statistics. Proficiency in R programming is highly desired. The position will require strong communication and leadership skills, and ability to collaborate with scientists, engineers, and public health professionals on a fast-paced project. The successful candidates must be highly motivated and thrive in a team-based science environment. Position is available ASAP and duration is flexible. If interested, please send your CV and contact information for references to lauren.stadler@rice.edu.

The George R. Brown School of Engineering 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.

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a 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.

Essential Functions

• Conduct experimental research on wastewater disease surveillance
• Publish papers and present findings at national and international conferences
• Mentor and train junior research team members, such as PhD candidates
• Assist with proposal development to obtain research funding
• Support project management and collaboration across institutions
• Provide academic services (i.e. teaching classes) to the department as required
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• PhD in environmental engineering, data science, epidemiology, or related field
• Demonstrate strong communication skill in research presentation
• Self-motivated and genuinely interested in academic and public health research
• Strong background in one or more of the following areas: molecular techniques, including nucleic acid extractions and qPCR or ddPCR; (2) sequencing and bioinformatics; and/or (3) environmental statistics
• Strong listening and verbal communication skills and ability to present in group meetings and conferences
• Enthusiasm for leadership, assisting team members and creating a collaborative working environment
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively and professionally
• Strong written communication and understanding of manuscript and peer review process

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