At Houston Methodist, the Research Technician II position is responsible for performing scientific analyses and tests required for research under moderate supervision. This position performs various advanced assays, imaging experiments, and other technical duties to assist with the research activities of the laboratory and may be required to work with animal models and/or human subjects, performing scientific analyses and test required for research under direct supervision. The Research Technician II position may provide supervision and guidance to junior level technicians.

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.

• Teaches peers to critically think by verbally expressing rationale for decisions. Facilitates open, professional, communication to achieve mutual understanding, role modeling by example.

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

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs intermediate bench chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology or other scientific techniques according to protocol.

• Performs various advanced assays, basic image analysis and imaging experiments, and other technical duties to assist with the research activities of the laboratory.

• Organizes the workflow, proactively problem solves, anticipates needs, and manages multiple ongoing priorities. Provides communication of needs, issues to be addressed, and all important information necessary to ensure department success.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Implements appropriate interventions to ensure quality outcomes. Conducts quality audits on equipment, processes, outcomes and team member performance. Documents, develops and evaluates processes, procedures and outcomes.

• Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement, providing recommendations, and contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety. Assists with the implementation and education of department-based safety initiatives and standards of practice.

• Independently performs the safe collection and handling of human/animal tissue, blood or other biological specimens which includes animal handling and may include basic animal husbandry.

• Assists with writing laboratory protocols or procedures.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Evaluates and reports on inventory levels. Works with leadership to order appropriate laboratory supplies and equipment.

• Utilizes resources effectively and efficiently, demonstrating responsible financial stewardship. Manages own time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and prioritizes work to achieve maximum results in a timely manner.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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

• Proactively manages own professional development and completes Individual Development Plan (IDP).

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

• Associates degree or two additional years of relative laboratory experience (in addition to the minimum experience requirements listed below) required in lieu of degree

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

• Ability to work independently

• Capable of handling challenging/difficult situations

• Demonstrates sound judgment and executes above average analytical skills

• Effective time management skills

• Experience with computer spreadsheets and database; competent in Microsoft Office products

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.