Graduate Research Fellow

At Houston Methodist, the Graduate Research Fellow position is responsible for conducting advanced and innovative research projects in biomedical sciences, which typically results in publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals with the Fellow listed as the first author. The work may be in a laboratory setting or may consist of computer work that supports the department's research mission.

About the role

The Graduate Research Fellow will work independently under general faculty supervision to conduct literature research, research hypothesis generation, research planning, experiments, data analysis, manuscript and thesis writing, as required by typical graduate degree programs.

Qualifications

• Enrollment in a Master’s, Medical Degree (MD) or Doctoral Degree (PhD) program required
• 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
• Requires knowledge of sound laboratory practice
• Familiarity with multiple research methodologies, techniques, and resources
• Experience with database spreadsheets

Responsibilities

People

• Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results
• Collaborates with all members of the department by actively communicating and reporting data in a comprehensive manner
• Role models to team members effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication, which includes active listening and teaching, assisting in their development of such skills

Service

• Assists in maintaining the functionality and operations of the Principle Investigator’s laboratory
• Documents research results and writes reports of results for presentation and/or publication in professional journals and other publications
• Conducts animal handling, which may include animal husbandry
• Collects and organizes storage of tissue and blood specimens

Quality/Safety

• Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace
• Assists with implementation and education of department-based safety initiatives, standards of practice and protocols
• Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes
• Identifies and escalates issues and opportunities for improvement
• Follows up on action items to ensure completion of assignments
• Contributes towards improving quality and safety scores

Finance

• Practices appropriate utilization of materials and supplies to prevent unnecessary waste
• Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks

Growth/Innovation

• Conducts advanced and innovative research projects in biomedical sciences
• Develops research methods and performs research activities
• Participates in departmental projects and activities
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual process improvements
• Remains current on professional issues and clinical skills
• Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis
• Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management

Supplemental Requirements

• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: Yes
• On-call: May be required during emergencies (e.g., disaster, severe weather events)
• Travel: May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area