At Houston Methodist, the Research Methodologist position is responsible for providing scientific and technical consultation and coaching in research methodology for the design, planning and execution of research projects focusing on epidemiologic, quality and patient safety, clinical, translational, and outcomes research. This position works in close partnership with faculty and researchers to provide technical guidance on the design and development of research methodology frameworks and analyses. The Research Methodologist is also responsible for providing advisement and coaching on research methodological/analytical sections of grant applications, study protocols, publications, reports and other deliverables. This position serves as subject matter expert to inform quantitative and qualitative research methodology for project conceptualization, design to implementation and evaluation phases. This position also provides training to faculty and researchers on the use of broad range of quantitative and qualitative research methods and techniques which include developing and testing analytical models, strategies for recruitment and retention of research participants, research instrument design and testing, and assessing data quality.

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

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Collaborates with faculty and researchers to lead research methodology meetings and discussions. Collaborates with management and leadership on research methodology development project priorities.

• Serves as a subject matter expert and coach to faculty and researchers to develop their skills and projects focusing on applied best practices for quantitative and qualitative research methods and techniques.

• Liases and supports multi-functional teams including researchers, scientists, and other stakeholders, to facilitate teamwork and meet project objectives in a timely manner.

• Conducts self in a manner that is aligned with I CARE cultural principles and Houston Methodist service standards.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Partners with faculty, researchers and other stakeholders to provide technical guidance on development of research methodology frameworks and analyses for research projects. Provides coaching on research methodology for design, planning and execution of research projects.

• Reviews and provides feedback on research methodological/analytical sections of grant applications, study protocols, publications, reports and other deliverables.

• Develops and implements a training program to coach faculty and researchers on quantitative and qualitative research methods and techniques.

• Promotes communication and collaboration between faculty, researchers, biostatisticians, data managers and other stakeholders on best practices for implementation of research methods and techniques. Leads and supports complex research methodology development projects. Provides highest level of excellence in all projects executed.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serves as a subject matter expert on development of research methodology and study design for projects. Provides training to faculty, researchers, scientists and other stakeholders as needed.

• Ensures all research methodology frameworks, techniques and processes for research projects are in compliance with Houston Methodist policies and regulations.

• Facilitates quality improvement and development of research methodology techniques and processes to improve project outcomes and deliverables.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensures effective utilization of resources including time and effort, and project prioritization. Complies with Houston Methodist financial policies and procedures and operates within the departmental budget.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Fosters an environment that encourages innovation, continuous improvement and growth.

• Actively seeks innovative solutions and promotes cross collaboration between teams and overcomes challenges.

• Stays updated with latest trends, techniques, tools and processes in research methods. Seeks opportunities to identify self-developmental needs and takes appropriate action.

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

• Master's degree in Clinical Research/Health Research Methods/Epidemiology or related field required

• Terminal degree in related field preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Ten years of related experience in an academic or clinical setting

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 and with a team

• Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills; a commitment to quality and excellence in service; confidentiality and professionalism

• Demonstrates effective and appropriate decision-making, judgment, and confidentiality as well as attention to detail and follow-through

• Exhibits initiative, proficiency, and adaptability to balance time and multiple competing priorities

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs No
• 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 Academic Institute (formerly the 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 and clinical trials, the academic institute houses over 2,047 credentialed researchers conducting 1,470 ongoing clinical protocols.