Just an FYI, I have been in touch with NBN. As I explained things are not lining up right now, but they may do so more quickly in Houston.
I made contact with the Houston Jewish Community.
They have a website for those seeking to relocate to Houston:
http://www.relocatehouston.org/I know some people in Houston and I sent them my CV and cover letter. I have seen if there are openings with my current employer in Houston.
We will see how things go.
BTW, there are no kosher orthodox synagogues close to Rice University that I know of. The Jewish community is focused around the southwest part of Houston where the eruvim are located.