Administrative Assistant | Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease

Organization Overview: Our work focuses on several different aspects of molecular virology, biochemical and structural virology, viral pathogenesis, and vaccine development. The laboratory studies animal RNA viruses, including hepatitis C virus (HCV), yellow fever virus (prototype flavivirus), bovine viral diarrhea virus (a pestivirus), and Sindbis virus (a togavirus). Overview:

To provide comprehensive executive and operational support that ensures the seamless functioning of the Principal Investigator’s schedule and the efficient daily maintenance of the Rice Lab’s resources and communications.

Responsibilities:

This position will be responsible for the following but not limited to:

• Coordinating logistics for the Head of Laboratory by managing calendar, scheduling meetings, and assisting with domestic/international travel. Coordinates SNF young investigators seminars, lab sponsored seminars, and the bi-annual Rockefeller Virology Course
• Facilitating internal and external lab communications by managing the main office line, acting as the primary point of contact for visitors
• Administering general operations and procurement by monitoring common inventory, researching Purchase Order (PO) statuses, and ordering essential office and kitchen supplies
• Regulating the laboratory environment by sending 30-minute meeting reminders, maintaining organizational systems for supplies, and overseeing the weekly "Kitchen Duty" and "Rice Lab" communication schedules.
• Maintain facility standards by performing daily inspections and physical restocking of supplies in common areas, including the kitchen and office stationery storage
• Perform related duties & responsibilities as assigned/requested

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Proficiency with standard office computer applications, including Microsoft Office and digital scheduling tools, is required
• The candidate must be able to manage multiple tasks, communicate effectively, and work both independently and collaboratively

• A minimum of 3–5 years of administrative experience in an academic, research, or comparable professional environment
• The ideal candidate will possess exceptional organizational and multitasking skills, with demonstrated experience supporting administrative operations in an academic or laboratory research environment
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritize time-sensitive requests—such as managing calendars, scheduling meetings, coordinating meetings, and assisting with domestic and international travel—are highly desirable
• Experience supporting seminars, courses, or other academic or scientific events is preferred.
• Familiarity with procurement processes, purchase order tracking, inventory monitoring, and routine facilities coordination is a plus, but not required
• The successful candidate will remain effective amid shifting priorities and unexpected challenges, demonstrate a proactive and professional communication style, and be able to anticipate the needs of the Head of Laboratory while administratively supporting a dynamic research team in a fast paced academic environment

Compensation Range: Min: USD $55,000.00/Yr. Compensation Range: Max: USD $65,000.00/Yr.