Research Associate I – Infectious Disease – Burgess lab – Houston, TX

At Houston Methodist, the Research Associate I position is responsible for conducting laboratory experiments on research projects within well-defined guidelines. This position provides technical research skills and establishes test methods and procedures under the direction of Department Chairperson or Scientist (Faculty). The Research Associate I position evaluates results of (or response to) process; summarizes data.

Additional Information:

The Division seeks a highly driven scientist to support and drive novel multidisciplinary projects. This position will focus on basic research in innate and adaptive immunity and the influence of commensal bacteria and or host factors on hematopoiesis, mucosal immunology, and infectious diseases. Candidates must have a Ph.D. or master’s degree and a minimum of two years of post-graduate experience. They must also have a tangible track record in microbiology, epigenetics, infectious disease or immunology as assessed by first and mid author publications. The applicant should have a record of independent ideas or inventions taken from concept to validation and reporting. Willingness and aptitude to receive training and work in BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories, as well as work with vertebrate animal models and infectious agents is required. Experience with the execution and analysis of single cell experiments and high dimensional data analysis, such as, but not limited to, the 10X Genomics platform or spatial transcriptomics is also required.

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PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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

• 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.

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

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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

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

• Maintains accurate records of all research and data collection.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Establishes and maintains quality control of project operations.

• Writes and maintains regulatory and safety committee applications/protocols.

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

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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

• Assists with ensuring orders are on appropriate grants.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in grant writing.

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

• 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.

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

• Master’s degree in related field or terminal degree with two years post-doctoral experience

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Five years experience, depending on education level