Job Description

Job Summary
Assistant Professor, RNA Biology/Chemistry

The Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI) welcomes applications for an Assistant Professor in RNA biology or chemistry for our RNA Therapeutics Program. We are a highly translational institute, with faculty that are making fundamental insights and translating these toward transformative therapies. Our RNA Therapeutics Program is funded by NIH, the state government, as well as industry contracts and substantial philanthropy. We do fundamental research in RNA biology; perform pre-clinical studies in RNA therapeutics; generate innovative research grade constructs internally and for the scientific community; and produce RNA Therapeutics in our cGMP manufacturing facility for clinical trials.

Optimal candidates will have a track record of innovative research in RNA biology or chemistry; are capable of attracting external funding, e.g. from NIH; are highly collaborative; and are excited about innovation, invention, translation and making transformative contributions to human health. Candidates will be evaluated on their ability to establish a robust program in RNA sciences and collaborate with the RNA Therapeutics team to translate their research innovations into RNA therapeutics. In addition, candidates are expected to show promise in establishing a vigorous externally funded research program and contribute to the intellectual vitality of the HMRI scientific community. Faculty will also have the opportunity to affiliate with the Cornell University Weill Cornell Medical College and/or Texas A&M University, and to work with students from these universities. Classroom-style teaching is not expected; however, teaching opportunities can be made available if the candidate chooses to pursue them.

Houston Methodist Hospital Research Institute is located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center, which is the largest medical center in the world. The institute is surrounded by an unparalleled biomedical research environment, which consists of the Houston Methodist Hospital, Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, and more than 50 additional top institutes and hospitals. Texas is the 1 state to make a living, as recently ranked by Forbes. Houston is the largest city in Texas and the 4th largest in US, with an attractive living cost and a vibrant culture. It was recently named the most prosperous US city by The Business Journal. Salary and benefits can be highly competitive and commensurate with experience. Houston Methodist Hospital is frequently ranked by the FORTUNE Magazine into the list of the best employers in USA.

To apply for the position, please send your CV, cover letter, research statement, and 3 letters of recommendation, to the Director of the RNA Therapeutics Program, John P. Cooke MD PhD at jpcooke@houstonmethodist.org.

Functions as independent scientist and may be allocated space, resources, and other operational support within TMHRI. Individuals in this position are expected to have their own extramural funding and publications portfolio. Evidence of teaching, patented or licensed discoveries, extramural recognition, institutional service, collaborative and effective interactions with other faculty and staff, and, where relevant, clinical excellence and performance.

PATIENT AGE GROUP SERVED

Not Applicable

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develops and manages independent grant portfolio

Develops and publishes in high impact journals

Administers funds provided by the specific grant(s). (EF)

Defines problems and possible solutions as dictated by the research project. (EF)

Establishes procedures to be applied for projects. (EF)

Designs, develops, or adapts equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results. (EF)

Coordinates and provides technical direction to the work activities of research staff engaged in projects. (EF)

Performs and supervises those procedures which require a highly developed technical skill. (EF)

Analyzes data and interprets data. (EF)

Reviews scientific literature. (EF)

Identifies appropriate internal controls for department; provides mechanisms to monitor and enforce compliance. (EF)

Demonstrates the components of the ICARE values statement.

Follows all safety rules while on the job. Reports accidents promptly and corrects minor safety hazards. Completes all hospital required and job-related in-services and applies the information as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Ph.D.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Varies

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED

None

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

See attached activity checklist

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Standard laboratory environment; some assignments may be in hospital units with typical hospital environmental hazards and concerns.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

Company Profile
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, 277 principal investigators and has more than 840 ongoing clinical trials.