Research Assistant III

At Houston Methodist, the Research Assistant III position is responsible for providing senior level of research support that may include scientific writing and data analysis. Work could be performed in either a laboratory or office environment. Under minimal supervision, the Research Assistant III will perform a wide variety of complex tasks requiring practical understanding of scientific techniques and advanced knowledge of scientific theory. This position is expected to assist scientists, both independently and collaboratively, with investigative procedures. The Research Assistant III performs various assays, imaging experiments and other technical duties to assist with laboratory and/or department research activities and may be required to work with animal models and/or human subjects.

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Arts or Science in a related field

EXPERIENCE

• Four years' relevant experience in research and/or academic field

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required

• May be required depending on position, refer to addendum if necessary

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action
• Demonstrates strong training, leadership and mentoring skills
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects, quickly shift tasks and adapt to a rapidly changing environment
• Ability to offer suggestions and implement change to enhance efficiency and organization of department operations

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the department by actively communicating and reporting data in a comprehensive manner.
• Participates in laboratory and/or department meetings.
• Role models excellent, clear and professional communication skills to achieve mutual understanding and problem resolution. Demonstrates a positive work environment and contributes to a team-focused work environment that actively helps one another achieve department goals. Collaborates with all members of the research team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent information as it relates to assigned system(s) in a comprehensive manner.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology or other scientific techniques with sufficient autonomy under the general experimental guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI).
• Assists with implementation and education of department-based safety initiatives and standards of practice.
• May perform collection of blood, tissue or other biological specimen.
• May perform bench chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology or other scientific techniques with sufficient autonomy under the general experimental guidance of the PI.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Reviews work of research team. Collects, records, compiles and analyzes complex data.
• Leads the implementation and education of departmental based safety initiatives and standards of practice.
• Oversees equipment calibration, certification and maintenance agreements.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Evaluates and reports on inventory levels. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.
• Contributes towards department financial targets, optimizing efficiency and other areas according to department specifications.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participation in the development or establishment of new laboratory and/or department procedures.
• Trains in new techniques as they emerge as appropriate.
• Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an on-going basis.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• WORK ATTIRE
• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: Yes
• Other (department approved): No

ON-CALL*

• Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
• On Call* No

TRAVEL

Travel specifications may vary by department

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Arts or Science in a related field

EXPERIENCE

• Four years' relevant experience in research and/or academic field

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required

• May be required depending on position, refer to addendum if necessary

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Academic Institute oversees the Education Institute and Research Institute. The Academic Institute aligns our research and education initiatives in service to the clinical mission, providing solutions that answer the call for new technologies and skills our clinicians need for patient care. Houston Methodist Education Institute coordinates our primary academic affiliation with Weill Cornell Medicine and other joint programs, including the Engineering Medicine Program at Texas A&M University Intercollegiate School of Engineering Medicine. The Education Institute also oversees continuing medical education and graduate medical education, and supports trainees in residence for medical, nursing, allied health and research education programs. Houston Methodist Research Institute supports research programs and infrastructure that enable faculty across the system to bring new scientific discoveries to patients as rapidly as possible through the full cycle of a cure from conceptual bench research, to prototyping and development, to clinical trials and FDA approval. The Research Institute supports clinical research protocols and extramurally funded translational research programs.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.