Research Assistant III- Flow Cytometry Core

At Houston Methodist, the Research Assistant III position is responsible for providing senior-level research support that may include scientific writing and data analysis. Work could be performed in either a laboratory or office environment.

Responsibilities

People

• Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one another achieve optimal department results.
• Collaborates with all members of the department by actively communicating and reporting data in a comprehensive manner.
• Participates in laboratory and/or department meetings.
• Role models excellent, clear, and professional communication skills to achieve mutual understanding and problem resolution.
• Demonstrates a positive work environment and contributes to a team-focused work environment that actively helps one another achieve department goals.
• Collaborates with all members of the research team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent information as it relates to assigned system(s) in a comprehensive manner.

Service

• Performs chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, or other scientific techniques with sufficient autonomy under the general experimental guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI).
• Assists with implementation and education of department-based safety initiatives and standards of practice.
• May perform collection of blood, tissue, or other biological specimens.
• May perform bench chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, or other scientific techniques with sufficient autonomy under the general experimental guidance of the PI.

Quality/Safety

• Reviews work of the research team.
• Collects, records, compiles, and analyzes complex data.
• Leads the implementation and education of departmental-based safety initiatives and standards of practice.
• Oversees equipment calibration, certification, and maintenance agreements.

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.
• Contributes towards department financial targets, optimizing efficiency and other areas according to department specifications.

Growth/Innovation

• Participates in the development or establishment of new laboratory and/or department procedures.
• Trains in new techniques as they emerge as appropriate.
• Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.
• Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an ongoing basis.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Arts or Science in a related field.
• Four years’ relevant experience in research and/or academic 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.
• Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes, and take corrective action.
• Demonstrates strong training, leadership, and mentoring skills.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects, quickly shift tasks, and adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to offer suggestions and implement change to enhance efficiency and organization of department operations.

Supplemental Requirements

• Work Attire: Scrubs or business professional (department approved).
• On-Call: May be required during emergencies (e.g., disaster, severe weather events).
• Travel: May be required within the Houston Metropolitan area or outside, depending on the position.