Research Assistant I

FLSA Status: Exempt

About the role

Come lead with us at Houston Methodist Academic Institute. The Research Assistant I position provides technical research support in performing research experiments in either a laboratory or office environment. Under direct supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), the Research Assistant I assists in the organization, tabulation, and analysis of data and maintains records of data collected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts or Science in a related field

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
• Works well in a team environment, as well as independently, with minimal supervision
• Ability to prioritize frequently, quickly shift tasks, and adapt to a rapidly changing environment

Responsibilities

People

• Actively participates in research planning meetings and provides meaningful contributions that drive decision-making and clearly identifies next steps
• Demonstrates teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance to achieve optimal department results
• Uses peer-to-peer accountability towards improvement of department score for turnover/retention/employee engagement

Service

• Performs technical laboratory research
• Accurately follows technical instruction in setting up and conducting experiments, including biological assays, quantitative and qualitative analyses
• Provides updates on assigned experiments and research outcomes

Quality/Safety

• Maintains records of all tests performed and data collected
• Ensures safe operation of appropriate laboratory equipment
• Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations; contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety

Finance

• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies
• Evaluates and reports on inventory levels
• Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks
• Assists department management in product evaluations and utilization of existing products

Growth/Innovation

• Participates in the development or establishment of new laboratory procedures, including biological assays, quantitative and qualitative analysis
• Trains in new techniques as they emerge as appropriate
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a researcher
• Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an on-going basis

Supplemental requirements

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: Yes
• Other (department approved): No
• On-call: May be required during emergencies (e.g., disaster, severe weather events)
• Travel: May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area (varies by department)