Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at Rice University – United States

Summary

Rice University's Department of Bioengineering is seeking applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position. The role is based in Houston, Texas, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Bioengineering or a related field and professional experience appropriate for the rank. The successful applicant will establish an independent, externally funded research program, teach undergraduate and graduate courses, mentor students, and contribute to university service. The department is interested in a broad range of bioengineering disciplines, including cancer bioengineering, neuroengineering, and bioprinting. Applications are due by November 1, 2026, for full consideration, and must include a cover letter, CV, research statement, teaching philosophy, diversity statement, and reference contacts.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Bioengineering
Position Type	Assistant Professor
Discipline	Bioengineering
Research Area	Cancer bioengineering, immunoengineering and immunotherapy, neuroengineering, bioprinting and biomanufacturing, mechanobiology, disease mechanisms and disease-focused bioengineering, biomaterials, tissue engineering, synthetic biology, biomedical imaging, computational bioengineering, global health
Degree Required	Ph.D. in Bioengineering or a related field
Experience	Professional experience appropriate to the position rank
Funding	Externally funded research program
Contract Duration	Tenure-track
Deadline	2026-11-01
Employer Address	Houston, Texas, United States

About the Project

The successful candidate will establish and lead an independent research program in bioengineering, focusing on areas such as cancer bioengineering, immunoengineering and immunotherapy, neuroengineering, bioprinting and biomanufacturing, mechanobiology, disease mechanisms, biomaterials, tissue engineering, synthetic biology, biomedical imaging, computational bioengineering, or global health. The research program is expected to attract competitive extramural funding and produce high-quality findings for peer-reviewed publications and professional conferences.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and lead a strong, independent research program in bioengineering.
• Develop research programs capable of attracting competitive extramural funding.
• Conduct high-quality research and communicate findings through peer-reviewed publications and professional conferences.
• Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses within the candidate’s area of expertise.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Contribute to the education and professional development of students from diverse backgrounds.
• Collaborate with faculty and researchers across engineering, biology, medicine, and other disciplines.
• Participate in university service and contribute to the broader scientific and professional community.
• Build interdisciplinary collaborations within Rice University and with external research and clinical institutions.

Required Skills

• Scholarly research and academic achievement
• Teaching and course development
• Student advising and mentoring
• Collegial service and collaboration

Who Should Apply

Candidates with a Ph.D. in Bioengineering or a related field and professional experience appropriate for an Assistant Professor rank are encouraged to apply. The department welcomes applicants working across various bioengineering disciplines, particularly those with research interests in cancer bioengineering, immunoengineering, neuroengineering, bioprinting, biomanufacturing, mechanobiology, and disease mechanisms. Outstanding candidates at the Associate or Full Professor level may also be considered.

About the Employer

Rice University's Department of Bioengineering is part of the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing. It is an interdisciplinary academic community situated in the BioScience Research Collaborative, adjacent to the Texas Medical Center in Houston. This location facilitates collaborations with major clinical, biomedical, and research institutions. The department's faculty engage in both fundamental and translational bioengineering research, fostering an environment for interdisciplinary research and education. Rice University is committed to academic excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, teaching, research, mentoring, and service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the anticipated start date for this position?

The anticipated start date for the position is July 1, 2027.

What is the application deadline for full consideration?

For full consideration, applicants should submit their materials by November 1, 2026.

What degree is required for this position?

Applicants must have earned a Ph.D. in Bioengineering or a related field by the time employment begins.

Where is the Department of Bioengineering located?

The Department of Bioengineering at Rice University is located in the BioScience Research Collaborative, adjacent to the Texas Medical Center in Houston.

What are some key research areas of interest for this position?

Key research areas of interest include cancer bioengineering, immunoengineering and immunotherapy, neuroengineering, bioprinting and biomanufacturing, mechanobiology, and research focused on disease and disease mechanisms.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching philosophy statement, a statement on contributing to a diverse and inclusive learning community, and names and contact information for 3–5 references.