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Entry Level Scanning Electron Microscopy Jobs in Houston, TX

Lab Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

$63K - $80K/yr

... scanning electron microscopy. This position actively participates in research and design, conducts educational and outreach activities (such as a biofabrication workshop and an annual high school ...

Lab Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

$63K - $80K/yr

... scanning electron microscopy. This position actively participates in research and design, conducts educational and outreach activities (such as a biofabrication workshop and an annual high school ...

Entry Level Scanning Electron Microscopy information

What is an entry level scanning electron microscopy job?

Entry level scanning electron microscopy (SEM) jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to working with SEM equipment, often requiring a background in science, engineering, or materials analysis. These roles typically involve preparing samples, operating the SEM to capture high-resolution images, maintaining equipment, and assisting senior researchers with data analysis. Entry-level SEM technicians or analysts may work in academic, industrial, or research laboratory settings, and receive on-the-job training to build their expertise. Strong attention to detail, technical aptitude, and willingness to learn are important qualities for success in these positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level scanning electron microscopy technician?

To thrive as an Entry Level Scanning Electron Microscopy Technician, you need a solid background in materials science, physics, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree or relevant laboratory coursework. Familiarity with SEM instrumentation, sample preparation techniques, and imaging software is essential, and training or certification in microscopy can be advantageous. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are soft skills that help you excel in data interpretation and collaborating with research teams. These skills ensure accurate imaging, reliable analysis, and productive teamwork in technical laboratory environments.

What types of training and ongoing support can I expect when starting an entry-level position in scanning electron microscopy?

When starting an entry-level SEM role, you can expect comprehensive onboarding that often includes hands-on training with SEM instruments, safety protocols, and sample preparation techniques. Many organizations pair new hires with experienced technicians or scientists for mentorship and guidance during the initial months. Ongoing support is typically provided through regular team meetings, access to standard operating procedures, and opportunities to attend workshops or seminars. This structured training ensures you develop the technical skills and confidence to operate SEM equipment effectively and contribute to research or quality assurance teams.

What is the difference between Entry Level Scanning Electron Microscopy vs Entry Level Transmission Electron Microscopy?

AspectEntry Level Scanning Electron MicroscopyEntry Level Transmission Electron Microscopy
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or equivalent in materials science, physics, or related fieldAssociate's degree or equivalent in materials science, physics, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, manufacturing settingsLaboratories, research institutions, advanced manufacturing
Industry UsageMaterials analysis, failure analysis, surface characterizationNanotechnology, materials research, biological specimen analysis

While both roles involve electron microscopy techniques, Entry Level Scanning Electron Microscopy focuses on surface imaging and analysis of samples, whereas Entry Level Transmission Electron Microscopy is used for detailed internal structure analysis at the atomic or molecular level. The skills and credentials overlap, but the applications and equipment differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Scanning Electron Microscopy jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Scanning Electron Microscopy jobs in Houston, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Scanning Electron Microscopy jobs in Houston, TX?

For Entry Level Scanning Electron Microscopy jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Scanning Electron Microscopy jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Scanning Electron Microscopy jobs in Houston, TX are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Scanning Electron Microscopy job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 82% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$63K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


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Job description


Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please attach a cover letter and a curriculum vitae in the Supporting Documents section of the application.
Position Summary:
The Biomaterials Lab is dedicated to advancing patient health and addressing critical medical challenges through biomaterials research, education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The lab provides shared research facilities, specialized equipment, technical expertise, and training to students, faculty, staff, and external collaborators to support the fabrication, characterization, and development of biomaterials, medical devices, regenerative medicine technologies, and research prototypes.
The Research Scientist/Lab Manager performs biomaterial fabrication and characterization within the Biomaterials Lab (https://bml.rice.edu) under the supervision of the Director. These fabrication methods include, but are not limited to, 3D printing, bioprinting, electrospinning, melt-write electrospinning, etc. Biomaterial characterization techniques include, but are not limited to, chromatography (size exclusion and affinity-based), thermal analysis, rheology, micro-computed tomography, fluorescence microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. This position actively participates in research and design, conducts educational and outreach activities (such as a biofabrication workshop and an annual high school student biomaterials bootcamp), and implements and maintains laboratory safety procedures. The position also oversees the day-to-day operation of the laboratory and its users while managing long-term collaborative projects between the laboratory and other research and institutional partners. In addition, this position manages laboratory communications and marketing, including the lab website.
Ideal Candidate Statement:
The ideal candidate has experience in several fabrication techniques, such as 3D printing, electrospinning, extrusion-based techniques, experience in several characterization techniques, such as chromatography, thermal, mechanical, and radiographic analysis, and experience in histologic analysis, such as frozen and paraffin-embedded specimens.
Workplace Requirements:
This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at the Bioscience Research Collaborative (BRC) at Rice University. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.
Able to lift up to 25 pounds (moving computers and other related equipment).
Annual Hiring Range: This position offers a salary of $63,100 - $80,400, commensurate with education and experience.
Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in bioengineering/biomedical engineering (biomaterials), chemical engineering (biomaterials), mechanical engineering (biomaterials), or related discipline
  • 2+ years of related research experience in materials fabrication and characterizations

Skills:
  • Proficient and comprehensive knowledge of information management, knowledge management and publication management
  • Possess a logical and independent mind
  • Good 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, to participate actively, to collaborate and to motivate others in the lab

Preferences:
  • PhD in a related scientific or engineering field
  • Experience in several fabrication techniques, such as 3D printing, electrospinning, extrusion-based techniques, etc.
  • Experience in several characterization techniques, such as chromatography, thermal, mechanical, and radiographic analysis, etc.
  • Experience in histologic analysis, such as frozen and paraffin-embedded specimens

Essential Functions:
  • Manages research projects and related budgets
  • Performs scientific research conducting independent experimental studies, facilitating other ongoing research in the laboratory, and developing and validating new protocols, methodologies, and / or theories
  • Communicates the results of scientific research through verbal presentations at scientific conferences and written articles submitted for publication
  • Actively engages to improve the laboratory's reputation and set of scientific capabilities
  • Seeks new research grants
  • Supervises, advises and/or trains students and professional researchers in the lab
  • Maintains a harmonious, safe, and efficient work environment by training new laboratory members in the correct use of equipment, ordering necessary supplies as needed, and coordinating routine equipment maintenance
  • Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions:
  • Ensures progress, compliance with, and support for existing grants
  • Performs inventory, sets up and maintains scientific experiments and equipment,
  • Maintains and distributes records of research results as appropriate and provides guidance in experimental design and analysis
  • Engages in partnerships for educational and outreach work, such as with personnel within local schools and museums
  • Negotiates technical aspects of a contract for the purchase of new instrumentation, in supervising the installation of instrumentation, and as necessary, in repairing or upgrading instrumentation

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University's Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.

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