The Houston Methodist Department of Urology and the U54 funded specialized center for spatial biology in GU Oncology are seeking an early-stage or mid-level investigator (equivalent to Assistant or Associate Professor level). The ideal candidate will have a strong research track record in translational cancer biology, the stromal or immune tumor microenvironment, the microbiome, or other mechanisms regulating cancer progression and therapy response. Preferred candidates will have expertise in integrating spatial profiling technologies or artificial intelligence into their study designs within the field of GU Oncology. Candidates working on other cancer types are also welcome, given they have an interest in applying their research to GU malignancies. A strong publication record and a demonstrated ability to secure extramural training or federal funding are highly desirable.

The new lab will be housed in a state-of-the-art research center with easy access to cutting-edge instrumentation, including but not limited to scRNA-seq processors, spatial-omics technologies (e.g., 10X CytAssist, 10X Xenium, Akoya Phenocycler), and flow cytometry platforms such as the Cytek analyzer and sorter. The selected individual will receive substantial institutional support, including dedicated lab space, startup funds, departmental resources, and operational assistance. They will be expected to establish an independent research portfolio, secure extramural funding, and produce high-impact publications, with the ultimate goal of translating research from bench to bedside. Collaboration with translational and clinical faculty within the department and center is strongly encouraged.

Interested candidates should contact the Center Director Dr. Keith Syson Chan via administrative support, Christine Nguyen, at clnguyen@houstonmethodist.org

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

• Under the direction of a Principle Investigator (PI), coordinates and provides technical direction to the work activities of research staff engaged in projects.

• Performs 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.

• Participates in writing manuscripts and publications.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Compiles, writes, and submits project results to the principle investigator.

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

• Analyzes data and interprets data.

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

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in grant writing the specific grant(s).

• 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.