Research Assistant - Orthopedics - Taraballi Lab

Location: Houston Methodist Academic Institute

6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030

Job Ref: 67018 Talent Area: Laboratory Services Job Shift: 1st - Day Job Type: Full-Time Posted Date: Feb. 14, 2025

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 the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), the Research Assistant I assists in the organization, tabulation and analysis of data.

This position will support work in encapsulating genetic cargo for drug delivery systems. In this role, the candidate will be responsible for preparing reagents and materials for synthesis, processing, aliquoting, and maintaining a detail record of data collected. It is essential for the candidate to have a solid grasp of mathematical proportions and the differences between concentrations and masses. They will also play a key part in managing the laboratory inventory by setting up, organizing, and keeping a detailed record of transactions.

Requirements

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 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 on-going basis.
  
  

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.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Arts or Science in a related field
  
  

Work Experience

• None
  
  

Licenses And Certifications - Required

• N/A
  
  

Knowledge, 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
• 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
  
  

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
  
  

Company Profile

Houston Methodist Academic Institute oversees the Education Institute and Research Institute, including 772 faculty and 56,250 learners. The Academic Institute aligns our research and education initiatives in service to the clinical mission, providing solutions that answer the call for new technologies and skills our clinicians need for patient care.

Houston Methodist Education Institute coordinates our primary academic affiliation with Weill Cornell Medicine and other joint programs, including the Engineering Medicine Program at Texas A&M University Intercollegiate School of Engineering Medicine. The Education Institute also oversees continuing medical education and graduate medical education, and supports more than 1,000 trainees in residence for medical, nursing, allied health and research education programs.

Houston Methodist Research Institute supports research programs and infrastructure that enable faculty across the system to bring new scientific discoveries to patients as rapidly as possible through the full cycle of a cure from conceptual bench research, to prototyping and development, to clinical trials and FDA approval. The Research Institute supports more than 1,387 clinical research protocols and $70.3 million in extramurally funded translational research programs.

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.

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