Houston Methodist Hiring for Research Associate I – Dr. Yun Lab at Houston, Texas Full Time

JOB SUMMARY

At Houston Methodist, Research Associate 1 are available in the Yun laboratory at the Houston Methodist Research Institute. Houston Methodist is an academic medical center that is affiliated with the Weill Cornell Medical College and the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University. Houston Methodist Research Institute provides the infrastructure and support for translational research in a highly dynamic environment. It houses the technology and resources needed to make innovative breakthroughs in important areas of human health, including cancer, nanomedicine, regenerative medicine, neurosciences, Immunotherapy, and cardiovascular medicine.

Dr. Kyuson Yun’s laboratory currently focuses on cancer stem cells and tumor immunology using genetically engineered mouse models, patient-derived xenografts (PDX), and fresh patient samples and leveraging our expertise in single-cell genomics. The long-term goal of the lab is to develop novel cancer therapies through foundational discoveries and technology development.

Ongoing projects include: 1) elucidating novel mechanisms of immune suppression, particularly in a sex-biased manner, 2) discovering novel immunotherapy targets through single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of human cancers, 3) developing new biologic and nanotherapies to target cancer stem cells and immune suppression in brain cancer and other solid tumors.

Candidates with a strong background in tumor immunology, computational biology, stem cell biology, pharmacology, molecular biology/biochemistry, nanomedicine, or pharmacology- demonstrated by a strong publication track record- are strongly encouraged to apply. We seek team members who share our passion for research, mission, and sense of curiosity and urgency.

Responsibilities

-Designing and executing independent research projects using techniques in mouse models, immunology, molecular biology, primary cell culture, and biochemistry.

Qualifications

-A PhD in biological sciences, including cancer biology, immunology, computational biology, stem cell biology, pharmacology, molecular biology/biochemistry, or pharmacology.

-A strong understanding of tumor immunology, molecular biology/biochemistry or single-cell analysis is highly desired, and extensive experience in routine molecular biology and biochemistry techniques is required.

-Successful candidates must have outstanding communication and organizational skills, enjoy working independently while supportive of team efforts, and thrive in a fast-paced team environment.

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

• 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.

• Focuses on patient/customer safety

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

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

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

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports byenabling 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 – 20%

• Assigns and reviews the work and outcomes for projects completed by assistants. (EF)

• Contributes to 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 an assigned system(s) in a comprehensive manner. (EF)

• Provides contributions towards the improvement of department scores for turnover/retention/employee engagement. (EF)

SERVICE – 20%

• Analyzes data for research grants and publications. Prepares scientific presentations for department meetings. (EF)

• Completes/performs research experiments and incorporates novel procedures and methods into research experiments as appropriate (low to medium complexity). (EF)

• Maintains accurate records of all research and data collection. (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY – 20%

• Establishes and maintains quality control of project operations. (EF)

• Writes and maintains regulatory and safety committee applications/protocols. (EF)

• Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations and contributes to meeting departmental and hospital targets for quality and safety. (EF)

FINANCE – 20%

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

• Assists with ensuring orders are on appropriate grants. (EF)

GROWTH/INNOVATION – 20%

• Participates in grant writing. (EF)

• Determines specific research project goals and objectives to be attained. Assumes responsibility and oversight for those goals and objectives. (EF)

• Seeks opportunities to identify developmental needs of self and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an ongoing 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 Master of Science degree

Or Terminal Degree with minimum two years post-doctoral experience, preferred

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

o Five years experience, depending on education level

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED

o None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

o Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing 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 Ability to work independently

o Capable of handling challenging/difficult situations

o Demonstrates sound judgment and executes analytical 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: Ability to work in office setting, involving the use of office equipment and supplies. Ability to work in a laboratory and/or animal research facility. Work in animal research facility requires health evaluation and approval by the HM Employee Health or HM Wellness department. _

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, 284 principal investigators and has more than 570 ongoing clinical trials.

Street: 6670 Bertner Ave

Name: Neurology – Ashizawa

Regular Shift: 1st – Day