At Houston Methodist, the Research Engineer I position is responsible for providing technical support for laboratory-based research. This position, under the direction of a Principle Investigator (PI), may support bench techniques, working with laboratory animals, scientific writing, and data analysis. The Research Engineer I position may oversee equipment calibration, certification and maintenance agreements as well as operate a variety of laboratory equipment. This position may participate in the development or establishment of new laboratory procedures, including biological assays, quantitative and qualitative analyses.

Additional Info / Requirements:

Responsibilities will include data management, data reconstruction, equipment maintenance, data collection, and training/managing interns and student researchers. Experience working in the motion biomechanics field and familiarity with motion capture systems, EMG, and force platforms is preferred. Applicants must be comfortable working in fast-paced research environment. 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Education 
• BS or MS degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Kinesiology, or related fields 
• Knowledge (Required) 
• Working knowledge of the musculoskeletal system 
• Coding experience, preferably in Python 
• Experience working with Motion Capture systems 
• Skills 
• Organizational skills 
• Data management skills 
• Motion biomechanics skills 
• Coding  
• Statistical analysis & Statistics Software 
• Literature Review 
• Problem-solving  
• Proficiency in excel, Microsoft office, EndNote 
• Oral and written communication 

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience.

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Displays cultural humility, diversity, equity and inclusion principles

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains/manages contact with sponsors.

• Contributes to teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the department by actively communicating and reporting data in a comprehensive manner.

• Conducts self in a manner that is congruent with cultural diversity, equity and inclusion principles. Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Creates designs for instruments or devices.

• Accurately writes protocols, procedures, research and grant proposals.

• Safely operates a variety of laboratory equipment. Effectively utilizes computer systems, including office applications, and statistical or technical software.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Analyzes, implements and tests materials. Accurately collects, records, compiles and analyzes data.

• Handles human and/or animal tissue according to department protocols and policies.

• Oversees equipment calibration, certification and maintenance agreements.

• Maintains safety, emergency preparedness, MSDS and other Laboratory Specific procedures.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 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

• Participates in the development or establishment of new laboratory procedures, including biological assays, quantitative and qualitative analyses.

• 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.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Arts or Science degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

• None

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• N/A

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - PREFERRED

• Engineers in Training-EIT Certification

KNOWLEDGE, 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

• Ability to analyze complex clinical and research data

• Ability to interpret compliance requirements

• Exhibits good listening skills

• Ability to work independently and analyze and solve problems

• Demonstrates the ability to manage complex clinical and interpersonal situations

• Able to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects

• Self-motivated with the ability to think critically and work independently

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

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

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

Houston Methodist Research Institute was formed in 2004 to rapidly and efficiently translate discoveries made in the laboratory and the clinic into new diagnostics, therapies, and treatments. The research institute was created to provide the infrastructure and support for these endeavors, and to house the technology and resources needed to make innovative breakthroughs in important areas of human disease. A 540,000 square foot building dedicated to research, the research institute houses over 1,500 staff and trainees, 284 principal investigators and has more than 570 ongoing clinical trials.