Machine Learning Engineer bei Rice University (Hybrid Role)

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.

Position Summary:
As a Machine Learning Engineer, you’ll drive analytics that underpin Rice’s Momentous strategic initiatives—spanning fundraising innovation, operational efficiency, and research enablement. You will partner with subject-matter experts across academic and administrative units to translate domain challenges into data-driven solutions: designing end-to-end ML/AI workflows, building scalable pipelines, and embedding monitoring and instrumentation. Beyond delivery, you’ll develop training materials and lead workshops to ensure sustainable adoption and measurable impact against project KPIs.

Ideal Candidate Statement:
The ideal candidate is a hands-on Machine Learning Engineer with demonstrated experience deploying AI/ML systems into production. They are comfortable wearing many hats—ranging from architecting end-to-end workflows to collaborating with domain experts, building pipelines, and leading training sessions for non-technical users. A proven track record of continuous learning and curiosity is essential, as is the ability to quickly adapt to emerging tools, methods, and challenges.

Workplace Requirements:
This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Annual Hiring Range: $130,000 to $150,000 *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 4 years of experience as a Data Scientist or Machine Learning Engineer

Skills:

• Technical: Python, SQL, statistics, ML; plus deep expertise in at least two areas: advanced ensembling and sampling techniques, forecasting, NLP/LLMs, transfer learning, or MLOps
• Tools: scikit-learn, statsmodels, TensorFlow/PyTorch, Git
• Apply advanced analytics—clustering, time-series forecasting, NLP/LLMs—with Python, TensorFlow/PyTorch, and Hugging Face
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a deep understanding of advanced statistical analysis and machine learning

Preferences:

• Master’s degree
• Degree in a quantitative field

Essential Functions:

• Execute the ML lifecycle: data ingestion, feature engineering, modeling, validation, deployment, and monitoring
• Architect and implement CI/CD pipelines and containerized deployments (Git, Docker, etc.)
• Perform all other duties as assigned
• Translate complex functional, technical, and business requirements into architectural designs
• Develop high-level application designs and direct detailed design work of developers
• Develop proofs-of-concept and prototypes to validate and compare design alternatives
• Develop reference architectures, coding samples, and quality assurance (QA) strategies
• Define high-level development tasks, provide estimates, and identify skills necessary for implementation
• Perform code reviews of critical parts of the systems
• Recommend strategies for system monitoring, performance improvements, and capacity planning
• Participate in the development of strategic plans and roadmaps for software applications
• Collaborate with peer architects and tech leads to develop architectural and development principles, guidelines, and standards
• Proactively research new technologies and trends and recommend ways to utilize them

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 contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or [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.