Job Description

Job Summary
At Houston Methodist, the Research Assistant II Bench position is responsible for providing technical support for laboratory-based research. Under supervision, this position assists scientists, both independently and collaboratively, with laboratory and investigative procedures. The Research Assistant II Bench position performs various assays, imaging experiments, and other technical duties to assist with the research activities of the laboratory and may be required to work with animal models and/or human subjects.

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

o 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.

o Focuses on patient/customer safety

o Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

o Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

o Intentionally rounds with patients/customers to ensure their needs are being met

o Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Job responsibilities labeled EF capture those duties that are essential functions of the job.

PEOPLE - 10%

1. Maintains positive working relationships with Research stakeholders and customers. Actively participates in planning meetings and provides meaningful contributions to drive decision making and next steps. (EF)

2. Role models to team members effective communication skills, assisting in their development of such skills. Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. 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. (EF)

3. Fosters staff engagement by demonstrating active listening, requesting and acknowledging feedback, providing rationale when appropriate, and supporting organizational goals. Works towards improving departments employee engagement score. (EF)

SERVICE - 30%

1. Follows technical instruction in setting up and conducting experiments, including biological assays, quantitative and qualitative analyses. (EF)

2. Effectively utilizes and operations laboratory/computer equipment if required. (EF)

3. Tabulates inventory and maintains lab supplies and equipment. (EF)

4. Collaborates with PIs and other research members to provide consistent research collection. (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY - 30%

1. Maintains records of all tests performed and data collected. (EF)

2. Makes minor modifications and/or repairs on laboratory equipment. Calibrates and operates a variety of laboratory equipment. (EF)

3. 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. (EF)

FINANCE - 10%

1. Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks. (EF)

2. Provides data and figures for manuscripts and grants. (EF)

GROWTH/INNOVATION - 20%

1. Participates in the development or establishment of new laboratory procedures, including biological assays, quantitative and qualitative analysis. (EF)

2. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an on-going basis. (EF)

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 REQUIREMENTS

o Bachelors of Arts or Bachelors of Science in related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

o Two years relevant research or academic experience

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED

o May be required depending on position, refer to addendum if necessary

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

o Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

o 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

o 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

o Works well in a team environment, as well as independently, with minimal supervision

o Ability to prioritize frequently, quickly shift tasks, and adapt to a rapidly changing environment

o Ability to communicate effectively and escalate utilizing problem solving and decision-making skills

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Work Attire Yes/No

Uniform No

Scrubs Yes

Business professional Yes

Other (dept approved) No

On-Call* No (for Non-Exempt or Exempt jobs)

*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Event, etc) regardless of selection above.

Travel**

May require travel within No

Houston Metropolitan area

May require travel outside No

of Houston Metropolitan area

**Travel specifications may vary by department.

Please note any other special considerations to this job: _Lab Environment_

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.