Research Assistant Jobs in Texas

INTRODUCTION

At Houston Methodist, the Research Assistant I position is responsible for providing technical research support in performing research experiments. Work could be performed in either a laboratory or office environment. Under direct supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), the Research Assistant I assists in the organization, tabulation and analysis of data. This position maintains records of data collected.

The Antibody Discovery and Accelerated Protein Therapeutics (ADAPT) lab is looking for a Research Assistant I to contribute to research discovering and developing therapeutics for infectious diseases. Our lab uses proteomics, artificial intelligence/machine learning-enabled protein engineering, and directed evolution to fuel the discovery and development of vaccine antigens, protective antibodies, and other protein therapeutic platforms.

This position is ideal for someone who is excited about synthetic biology research, with a desire to learn more and contribute to the field. The role will be focused on using high-throughput genetic engineering, laboratory automation, and next-generation sequencing to contribute to the overarching lab goals of developing improved protein therapeutics. You will work in a highly collaborative team to learn, apply, and develop techniques for the creation of large numbers of gene variants and massive mutation libraries. As part of the position, expect to receive training and experience in cutting-edge synthetic biology techniques and learn about the research being pursued in the ADAPT lab through regular group meetings and internal seminars.

While this is primarily a wet-lab position, it involves a significant computational component to manage the scale of samples that will be handled and to interface with automated systems. Experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR, gene cloning, sequencing) is a plus, as is proficiency with bioinformatics, scripting languages, and/or lab automation.

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor of Arts or Science in a related field

Experience

None

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

- Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing 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
- Works well in a team environment, as well as independently, with minimal supervision
- Ability to prioritize frequently, quickly shift tasks, and adapt to a rapidly changing environment

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

- Actively participates in research planning meetings and provides meaningful contributions that drive decision-making and clearly identifies next steps.
- Demonstrates teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance to achieve optimal department results.
- Uses peer-to-peer accountability towards improvement of department score for turnover/retention/employee engagement.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

- Performs technical laboratory research.
- Accurately follows technical instruction in setting up and conducting experiments, including biological assays, quantitative and qualitative analyses.
- Provides updates on assigned experiments and research outcomes.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

- Maintains records of all tests performed and data collected.
- Ensures safe operation of appropriate laboratory equipment.
- Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations; contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety.

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.
- Assists department management in product evaluations and utilization of existing products.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

- Participation in the development or establishment of new laboratory procedures, including biological assays, quantitative and qualitative analysis.
- Trains in new techniques as they emerge as appropriate.
- Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a researcher. Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an ongoing 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 (i.e. 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

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.