SCIENTIST

The Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI) welcomes applications for an Assistant or Associate Professor in RNA Biology or Chemistry for our RNA Therapeutics Program.

We are a highly translational institute, with faculty that are making fundamental insights and translating these toward transformative therapies. Our RNA Therapeutics Program is funded by NIH, the state government, as well as industry contracts and substantial philanthropy. We do fundamental research in RNA biology; perform pre-clinical studies in RNA therapeutics; generate innovative research grade constructs internally and for the scientific community; and produce RNA Therapeutics in our cGMP manufacturing facility for clinical trials.

Optimal candidates will have a track record of innovative research in RNA biology or chemistry; are capable of attracting external funding, e.g., from NIH; are highly collaborative; and are excited about innovation, invention, translation and making transformative contributions to human health. Candidates will be evaluated on their ability to establish a robust program in RNA sciences and collaborate with the RNA Therapeutics team to translate their research innovations into RNA therapeutics. In addition, candidates are expected to show promise in establishing a vigorous externally funded research program and contribute to the intellectual vitality of the HMRI scientific community.

Faculty will also have the opportunity to affiliate with the Cornell University Weill Cornell Medical College and/or Texas A&M University, and to work with students from these universities. Classroom-style teaching is not expected; however, teaching opportunities can be made available if the candidate chooses to pursue them.

At Houston Methodist, the Scientist position is responsible for functioning as an independent scientist and may be allocated space, resources, and other operational support within Houston Methodist. This position will have their own extramural funding and publications portfolio as well as evidence of teaching, patented or licensed discoveries, extramural recognition, institutional service, collaborative and effective interactions with other faculty and staff, and, where relevant, clinical excellence and performance.

FLSA STATUS Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION Doctorate degree in related field

EXPERIENCE Experience in related field of study

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.
• Demonstrated knowledge of biomedical research.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the workplace.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Coordinates and provides technical direction to the work activities of research staff engaged in projects.
• Performs and supervises those procedures which require a highly developed technical skill.
• Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Designs, develops, or adapts equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results.
• Establishes procedures to be applied for projects.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops and publishes in high impact journals.
• Defines problems and possible solutions as dictated by the research project.
• Analyzes data and interprets data.
• Identifies appropriate internal controls for department; provides mechanisms to monitor and enforce compliance.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Administers funds provided by the specific grant(s).
• Develops and manages independent grant portfolio.
• Utilizes resources with cost effectiveness and value creation in mind.
• Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Reviews scientific literature.
• Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action.
• Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management.
• Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

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

ON-CALLNote that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call: No

TRAVELTravel specifications may vary by department

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

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.