The Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies (Rice360), a multi-disciplinary institute at Rice University, is a leader in global health technology education, research, and implementation, with a distinctive focus on experiential and problem-based learning. Rice360 develops highly effective, low-cost healthcare solutions addressing critical healthcare needs in underserved communities and educates a cadre of future leaders to continue to innovate and implement solutions. Rice360 offers a number of award-winning experiential education programs, including a Global Health Technologies Minor, international internships, and Global Health Technologies post-baccalaureate fellowships. Program participants engage directly in the design, fabrication, evaluation, deployment, and global scale of innovative new technologies.

Rice360 works closely with partners in underserved communities throughout the world, including low- and middle-income countries and the United States. Rice360 is the lead institution for the Newborn Essential Solutions and Technologies (NEST360) program. The NEST360 alliance is working with African governments to transform hospital newborn care by installing a bundle of rugged devices, educating clinicians to use devices and biomedical engineers to maintain them, and implementing locally-owned data dashboards to drive uptake and quality.

The Research Engineer works in the development of low-cost healthcare technologies designed by Rice360 and is primarily responsible for conducting research and prototype development, collecting data, performing basic statistical analysis, proofreading and editing published written work, and drafting abstracts, articles, reports, and other publications. In addition, they contribute to project management responsibilities and ensure comprehensive documentation for project longevity. Together with the Director of Technology Development, the Research Engineer will assist in guiding the cadre of GHF in developing new technologies and will interact extensively with clinicians and other external stakeholders for the implementation and improvement of Rice360 products.

The ideal candidate should have extensive skills and experience in developing clinical technology for sustainable use in low- or under-resourced settings, as well as in rapid prototyping and design iteration, human factors, and design for manufacture. Demonstrated ability for effective project management in an organized, detailed, and collaborative manner is also important.

Workplace Requirements

This is a full-time position (Monday-Friday 8am–5pm) based in Houston, TX, with occasional early morning, evening, or weekend work required to accommodate time zone differences for important meetings with teams across sub-Saharan Africa, in the US, and the UK. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $48,000 – $52,000/year, contingent upon qualifications and experience.

This position is term-limited and funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physical sciences, preferably in bioengineering/biomedical engineering
One or more (1+) year(s) of related experience in developing biomedical engineering technologies and/or in the healthcare field 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

Listening, verbal and written communication, analytical, and research skills
Good scientific and numerical skills with meticulous attention to details and accuracy
Ability to work in a team environment, to participate actively, to collaborate and to motivate others in the lab
Critical thinking, technical, data collection and interviewing skills
Statistical and graphical analysis skills
Ability to maintain quality, safety and / or infection control standards
Ability to plan and schedule effectively
Preferences

Master’s degree in engineering or physical sciences
1+ year(s) of medical device or biotechnology industry experience developing biomedical engineering technologies
Demonstrated interest in global health technology development
Experience developing technology for low- or under-resourced settings
Experience working in low-resource settings or with non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Experience working in an institution of higher education
Experience working in a highly collaborative and multi-cultural environment
Knowledge of software statistical packages such as Stata, SAS, R, or HLM
Knowledge of CAD and related software such as SolidWorks or Fusion360
Ability to work under deadline with flexibility, tact, good judgment, discretion, and take initiative
Demonstrated sensitivity to low resource settings
Demonstrates Rice360 Core Values: Innovation, Equity, Community, Integrity, Accountability, Empowerment, and Transformation
Essential Functions

Conducts specialized research and experiments
Collects, tracks and analyzes data using spreadsheets and databases
Communicates the results of research through verbal presentations, written reports, and written articles submitted for publication in conjunction with PI
May assist in the administration of research projects
Performs all other duties as assigned
Additional Functions / Information

Designs and develops affordable, high performance clinical technologies for sustainable use in low-resource settings
Engages in rapid-prototyping and design iteration to improve upon existing technology
Considers human factors, usability, design for manufacture, and relevant regulatory standards
Employs project management best practices and maintains comprehensive documentation to progress technology development, manage deadlines, and reach project milestones
Collects data and performs data analysis to inform project decisions and aid in reporting
Reports research findings through formal and informal communication of technical results via presentations and reports to project teams and organization leaders
Works with external partners to advance technologies towards commercialization
Conducts technical landscaping and competitive analyses to identify emerging technologies, unmet needs, and opportunities for product innovation
Contributes to Rice360 education ecosystem through undergraduate mentorship and promotion of Rice360 programs