At Houston Methodist, the Graduate Research Fellow-Stipend position is responsible for conducting advanced and innovative research projects in biomedical sciences, which typically results in publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals with them listed as the first author. The work for this position may be in a laboratory setting or may consist of computer work that supports the department's research mission. The Graduate Research Fellow-Stipend position works independently under general faculty supervision to conduct literature research, research hypothesis generation, research planning, experiments, data analysis and manuscript and thesis writing, as required by typical graduate degree programs.

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

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting data in a comprehensive manner.

• Role models to team members effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication, which includes active listening and teaching, assisting in their development of such skills.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists in maintaining the functionality and operations of the Principle Investigator's (PI) laboratory.

• Documents research results and writes reports of results for presentation and/or publication in professional journals and other publications.

• Conducts animal handling, which may include animal husbandry.

• Collects and organizes storage of tissue and blood specimens.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.

• Assists with implementation and education of department-based safety initiatives, standards of practice and protocols. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes.

• Identifies and escalates issues and opportunities for improvement. Follows up on action items to ensure completion of assignments. Contributes towards improving quality and safety scores.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Practices appropriate utilization of materials and supplies to prevent unnecessary waste.

• Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conducts advanced and innovative research projects in biomedical sciences. Develops research methods and performs research activities. Participates in department projects and activities.

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual process improvements. Remains current on professional issues and clinical skills. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management.

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

• Enrollment in a Master's or Doctoral Degree (PhD) program required

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

• Requires knowledge of sound laboratory practice

• Familiarity with multiple research methodologies, techniques, and resources.

• Experience with database spreadsheets

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.