Optical Instrument Assembler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume in the supporting documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

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, lectures 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:

The Biophotonics Instrumentation Laboratory in the Department of Bioengineering at Rice University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the development of advanced optical instrumentation for imaging and sensing applications. This position will focus on the design, fabrication, integration, and evaluation of hyperspectral snapshot imaging systems for remote sensing applications, within a research environment that combines optics, opto-mechanics, electronics, software, address complex detection challenges.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in applied optics and hands-on experimental research, with the ability to contribute across instrument design, bench testing, data analysis, and system development. This role also supports the broader research mission of the laboratory through publication, proposal development, and collaboration with students and other research personnel.

More information about the Tkaczyk Biophotonics Instrumentation Lab can be found here: https://tkaczyklab.rice.edu

Workplace Requirements:

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at Rice University. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $62,232

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime. 

This is a one-year, benefits-eligible position funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds and may be renewed based on continued funding availability, research needs, and performance.

Additional Information:

Anticipated start date: Between August 1, 2026 and October 1, 2026.

Three postdoctoral positions are available.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Ph.D. in optical engineering, imaging or applied optics or a closely related field 

• No additional experience beyond graduate research is required

Preferences:

• Foundational knowledge of optical design, image processing, and data analysis

• Hands-on experience in experimental optical laboratory environments

• Experience with optical system alignment, optical shop testing, and experimental evaluation planning

• Experience with hardware control and research data analysis

• Familiarity with fabrication methods such as 3D printing, CNC machining, laser cutting, or related prototyping techniques

• Experience with component or system characterization tools such as optical profilers, Fizeau interferometers, refractometers, or similar instrumentation

• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively in a collaborative research setting

Essential Functions:

• Design, develop, and test hyperspectral snapshot imaging systems for remote sensing applications

• Conduct optical system design, integration, alignment, and experimental evaluation

• Fabricate and assemble components and subsystems using relevant laboratory and prototyping methods, including 2PP technology, 3D printing, laser cutting, or machining

• Perform component and system characterization using appropriate optical metrology and evaluation tools

• Conduct benchtop testing to assess imaging and detection performance

• Support application-based testing and refinement of instrument performance

• Analyze experimental results and contribute to interpretation of research findings

• Prepare manuscripts, reports, and other scholarly outputs for publication and dissemination

• Contribute to identification and development of new research directions within the lab's focus areas

• Assist with grant proposal development and related research documentation

• Provide guidance and technical support to graduate students working on related projects

• Support laboratory operations, coordination, and other administrative or research management activities as needed

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.

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, 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, lectures 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.