Research Assistant III - RNAcore – Center for RNA Therapeutics

At Houston Methodist, the Research Assistant III position is responsible for providing senior level of research support that may include scientific writing and data analysis. Work could be performed in either a laboratory or office environment. Under minimal supervision, the Research Assistant III will perform a wide variety of complex tasks requiring practical understanding of scientific techniques and advanced knowledge of scientific theory. This position is expected to assist scientists, both independently and collaboratively, with investigative procedures. The Research Assistant III performs various assays, imaging experiments and other technical duties to assist with laboratory and/or department research activities and may be required to work with animal models and/or human subjects.

Additional Information:

Ideal applicants will have a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field required or master’s degree preferred

Professional Experience:

Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in a laboratory environment (academic, biotech, or pharmaceutical).

Desired qualifications;

Strong proficiency in molecular biology techniques such as cloning, PCR, RT-PCR, quantitative PCR (qPCR), Plasmid purification, In vitro transcription, ELISA, and electrophoresis.
Experience with cell biology methods such as mammalian cell culture, cell-based assays, microscopy and imaging.
Experience following and contributing to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including drafting and reviewing documents.
Proven ability to maintain clear, accurate, and rigorous experimental documentation.
Familiarity with or willingness to work in a GMP-regulated environment
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Ability to effectively manage changing priorities in a dynamic environment.
Highly organized with the ability to support laboratory operations and workflow efficiency.
Strong communication and teamwork skills. FLSA STATUS
Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Arts or Science in a related field

EXPERIENCE

• Four years’ relevant experience in research and/or academic field

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

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

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

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one other to 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 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 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 specimen.
• May perform bench chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology or other scientific techniques with sufficient autonomy under the general experimental guidance of the PI.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Reviews work of 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 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 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 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participation 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 on-going basis.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE
• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: Yes
• Other (department approved): No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**
• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Work Shift:

1 - Day (United States of America)

Job Category:

Non-clinical Houston Methodist is one of the nation’s leading health systems and academic medical centers. The health system consists of eight hospitals: Houston Methodist Hospital, its flagship academic hospital in the Texas Medical Center, seven community hospitals and one long-term acute care hospital throughout the Greater Houston metropolitan area. Houston Methodist also includes a research institute; a comprehensive residency program; international patient services; freestanding comprehensive care clinics, emergency care and imaging centers; and outpatient facilities. Come lead with us!

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.