The Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI) welcomes applications for an Assistant or Associate Professor or Professor in RNA biology or chemistry for our RNA Therapeutics Program. We are a highly translational institute, with faculty that are making fundamental insights and translating these toward transformative therapies. Our RNA Therapeutics Program is funded by NIH, the state government, as well as industry contracts and substantial philanthropy. We do fundamental research in RNA biology; perform pre-clinical studies in RNA therapeutics; generate innovative research grade constructs internally and for the scientific community; and produce RNA Therapeutics in our cGMP manufacturing facility for clinical trials.

Optimal candidates will have a track record of innovative research in RNA biology or chemistry; are capable of attracting external funding, e.g., from NIH; are highly collaborative; and are excited about innovation, invention, translation and making transformative contributions to human health. Candidates will be evaluated on their ability to establish a robust program in RNA sciences and collaborate with the RNA Therapeutics team to translate their research innovations into RNA therapeutics. In addition, candidates are expected to show promise in establishing a vigorous externally funded research program and contribute to the intellectual vitality of the HMRI scientific community. Faculty will also have the opportunity to affiliate with the Cornell University Weill Cornell Medical College and/or Texas A&M University, and to work with students from these universities. Classroom-style teaching is not expected; however, teaching opportunities can be made available if the candidate chooses to pursue them.

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

• Coordinates and provides technical direction to the work activities of research staff engaged in projects.

• Performs and supervises those procedures which require a highly developed technical skill.

• 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

• Designs, develops, or adapts equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results.

• Establishes procedures to be applied for projects.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops and publishes in high impact journals.

• Defines problems and possible solutions as dictated by the research project.

• Analyzes data and interprets data.

• Identifies appropriate internal controls for department; provides mechanisms to monitor and enforce compliance.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Administers funds provided by the specific grant(s).

• Develops and manages independent grant portfolio.

• 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

• Reviews scientific literature.

• 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

• Doctorate degree in related field

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in related field of study

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

• Demonstrated knowledge of biomedical research

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment

• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the workplace

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.