At Houston Methodist, the Research Assistant III position is responsible for providing senior level of research support that may include scientific writing and data analysis. Work could be performed in either a laboratory or office environment. Under minimal supervision, the Research Assistant III will perform a wide variety of complex tasks requiring practical understanding of scientific techniques and advanced knowledge of scientific theory. This position is expected to assist scientists, both independently and collaboratively, with investigative procedures. The Research Assistant III performs various assays, imaging experiments and other technical duties to assist with laboratory and/or department research activities and may be required to work with animal models and/or human subjects.

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 leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the department by actively communicating and reporting data in a comprehensive manner.

• Participates in laboratory and/or department meetings.

• Role models excellent, clear and professional communication skills to achieve mutual understanding and problem resolution. Demonstrates a positive work environment and contributes to a team-focused work environment that actively helps one another achieve department goals. Collaborates with all members of the research team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent information as it relates to assigned system(s) in a comprehensive manner.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology or other scientific techniques with sufficient autonomy under the general experimental guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI).

• Assists with implementation and education of department-based safety initiatives and standards of practice.

• May perform collection of blood, tissue or other biological specimen.

• May perform bench chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology or other scientific techniques with sufficient autonomy under the general experimental guidance of the PI.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Reviews work of research team. Collects, records, compiles and analyzes complex data.

• Leads the implementation and education of departmental based safety initiatives and standards of practice.

• Oversees equipment calibration, certification and maintenance agreements.

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.

• Contributes towards department financial targets, optimizing efficiency and other areas according to department specifications.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participation in the development or establishment of new laboratory and/or department procedures.

• Trains in new techniques as they emerge as appropriate.

• Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. 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

• Four years' relevant experience in research and/or academic field

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• May be required depending on position, refer to addendum if necessary

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

• Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action

• Demonstrates strong training, leadership and mentoring skills

• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects, quickly shift tasks and adapt to a rapidly changing environment

• Ability to offer suggestions and implement change to enhance efficiency and organization of department operations

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.