Research Specialist II

Position Summary:

The Human Performance Team in the Rice Space Institute (RSI)’s Center for Space Technologies (CSTx) at Rice University, directed by Drs. Eduardo Salas, Jing Chen, and Rebecca Brossoit, invites applications for a Research Specialist . The Research Specialist will be involved in interdisciplinary projects that apply human factors, human-robot interaction, human-AI teaming, and well-being research to human space exploration missions as part of a new Texas Space Commission-funded project. They will work collaboratively with the three PIs in the Department of Psychological Sciences and have opportunities to work with collaborators affiliated with NASA and Rice Engineering.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate is an innovative and collaborative researcher in human factors, human-AI teaming, human-robot interaction, or occupational health psychology, eager to apply psychological science to the psychological demands of space missions and work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.

This is a one-year term-limited position with the possibility of extension based upon need and available funding.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is based on Rice University's campus in the Department of Psychological Sciences, located in Sewall Hall. Work is performed primarily in an office or shared lab space. The role involves extended periods of computer work, with sitting or standing desk options available. Depending on the role, some duties may take place at partner sites in the greater Houston area.

The research specialist will work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment and interact with faculty, students, and research collaborators. Local travel between campus buildings or off-site research locations may be required; occasional domestic travel to conferences or collaborators is also possible. Specific work schedules, travel expectations, and other logistical arrangements will be discussed with the selected candidate.

Rice University is a private, comprehensive research university located in the heart of Houston’s dynamic Museum District. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across eight schools and has a student body of approximately 4800 undergraduate and 4100 graduate students. Rice consistently ranks among the top 20 national universities and the top 10 in undergraduate teaching (US News & World Report); its endowment ranks among the top 25 of US universities. In 2026, the Department of Psychological Sciences was ranked 13th in Best Colleges for Psychology in America by Niche. Houston has been characterized as the most diverse city in America.

Workplace Location:

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at 6100 Main Street, Sewall Hall, Houston, TX 77005. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $57,000 - $60,000 annual salary

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

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

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree

- In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

Two or more (2+) years of related experience

- In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

Skills:

- Strong research background and expertise in a relevant field (e.g., Human Factors, Human-Computer Interaction, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Occupational Health Psychology, Organizational Behavior)
- Good listening, verbal and written communication, analytical, and research skills
- Excellent 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
- Good critical thinking, technical, and data collection skills
- Ability to maintain quality, safety and control standards

Preferences:

- Master’s degree
- Interest in human space exploration missions
- Prior experience in interdisciplinary research
- Interest in research that integrates human factors, human-robot interaction, human-AI teaming, and well-being
- Expertise in psychometrics, statistical modeling, and qualitative approaches
- Flexibility and adaptability in navigating different lab cultures and expectations
- Record of publications in peer-reviewed outlets

Essential Functions:

- Lead and support research projects related to human factors, human-robot interaction, human-AI teaming, and well-being research pertaining to human space exploration missions
- Conduct comprehensive cross-disciplinary literature reviews to establish theoretical and empirical foundations for projects
- Design study methodology, measurement approaches, standard operating procedures, and IRB protocols in collaboration with Principal Investigators
- Coordinate and conduct data collections
- Manage data organization, cleaning, and quality control
- Perform quantitative and/or qualitative analysis
- Attend CSTx team meetings and events, lab meetings, and relevant departmental events
- Write and co-author peer-reviewed manuscripts for publication in psychology outlets
- Contribute to progress reports and other deliverables required by the funding agency
- Facilitate information flow across Principal Investigators and lab personnel to ensure work is synchronized across labs
- Mentor graduate and undergraduate students

Research Environment:

Rice Space Institute (RSI) : The RSI supports world-class interdisciplinary research into the Origins of Planetary Habitability and the Foundations of Sustaining Human Life Beyond Earth. The RSI goal is to shape the future of space exploration by training the next generation of visionary leaders in space science, exploration, and advocacy, through immersive education and impactful outreach.

Center for Space Technologies (CSTx) : The center, within the RSI, brings together research, technology transfer and innovation, statewide partnerships, workforce development and space-focused education to move space technologies from university discovery toward usable systems, commercial applications and a stronger Texas workforce.

The Human-Automation Collaboration (HAC) Lab is directed by Dr. Jing Chen. The lab investigates human trust, vigilance, risk communication, and decision-making in applications including human-AI collaboration, automated and autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations, cybersecurity, and other safety-critical systems.

The Sleep and Nature for Employee Well-Being and Success (SNEWS) Lab is led by Dr. Rebecca Brossoit. The lab blends industrial-organizational psychology and occupational health psychology research to protect and promote the health, safety, and well-being of working people. Key topics include employee sleep, nature contact, the work-life interface, and workplace interventions.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants should attach a cover letter, CV, and a writing sample in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates should apply online through the Rice University job portal.

The online application will prompt applicants to upload the following materials:

- Cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- One representative publication or writing sample
- Contact information for three references

Review of applications begins immediately . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

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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 [email protected] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [email protected] . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.