At Houston Methodist, the Research Assistant I position is responsible for providing technical research support in performing research experiments. Work could be performed in either a laboratory or office environment. Under direct supervision of the
Principal Investigator (PI), the Research Assistant I assists in the organization, tabulation and analysis of data. This position maintains records of data collected.

Additional Information: 

The Research Assistant I will provide essential technical support for clinical research experiments conducted at the Center for Neural Systems Restoration or in an office environment. Under the guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI) and research team, the Research Assistant I will assist in collecting, organizing, and analyzing research data. This position also involves maintaining accurate records of all collected data and ensuring data integrity throughout the research process.

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

• Actively participates in research planning meetings and provides meaningful contributions that drive decision-making and clearly identifies next steps.

• Demonstrates teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance achieve optimal department results.

• Uses peer-to-peer accountability towards improvement of department score for turnover/retention/employee engagement.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs technical laboratory research.

• Accurately follows technical instruction in setting up and conducting experiments, including biological assays, quantitative and qualitative analyses.

• Provides updates on assigned experiments and research outcomes.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains records of all tests performed and data collected.

• Ensures safe operation of appropriate laboratory equipment.

• Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations; contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety.

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.

• Assists department management in product evaluations and utilization of existing products.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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

• Trains in new techniques as they emerge as appropriate.

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a researcher. Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) 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 in a related field

WORK EXPERIENCE

• None

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• N/A

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

• Works well in a team environment, as well as independently, with minimal supervision

• Ability to prioritize frequently, quickly shift tasks, and adapt to a rapidly changing environment

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

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.