Research Assistant I - Rooney CAGT

Houston Methodist

Houston (TX)

On-site

USD 45,000 - 65,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Houston Methodist seeks a Translational Research Assistant & GLP Technologist to support GLP assays and cell therapy clinical trials within the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy. You will process patient samples, perform molecular tests, and help validate laboratory methods used in clinical studies.

The successful candidate reports to the Translational Laboratory Supervisor and collaborates with clinicians, PIs, and GMP teams. Comprehensive training will be provided as the program grows.

Qualifications

Bachelor's or master's degree in biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field.
Experience with PCR, cell culture, immunoassays, or related molecular biology techniques.
Experience in GLP/GMP or clinical lab settings is a plus.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Effective communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

Process blood, tissue, and patient specimens per study protocols and GLP rules.
Perform molecular and cellular assays including PCR, culture, immunoassays, and flow cytometry.
Support product characterization, release testing, and patient follow-up for trials.
Develop, optimize, validate, and implement lab SOPs.
Assist with evaluating new lab technologies and methods.
Maintain accurate records and ensure GLP/compliance across studies.
Train staff on GLP procedures and workflows as needed.
Participate in research planning meetings and project quality reviews.
Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

PCR

Cell culture

Immunoassays

Flow cytometry

GLP awareness

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Biology-related degree

Tools

SOP writing

GLP/GMP lab experience

Job description

The Translational Research Assistant & GLP Technologist will work in a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) laboratory supporting cell therapy clinical trials at the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy (CAGT). This position involves processing and analyzing patient samples, performing laboratory tests, and helping develop and validate laboratory methods used to support clinical studies.

The successful candidate will report to the Translational Laboratory Supervisor and work closely with clinicians, principal investigators (PIs), research coordinators and GMP manufacturing teams. Comprehensive training will be provided. As the translational program expands, responsibilities may evolve to meet the needs of ongoing and future clinical studies.

Primary Responsibilities

Process blood, tissue, and other patient specimens according to clinical study protocols and GLP requirements.
Perform molecular and cellular assays, including PCR, cell culture, immunoassays, and flow cytometry.
Support product characterization, release testing, and patient follow-up testing for cell therapy clinical trials.
Help develop, optimize, validate, and implement laboratory assays and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Assist with evaluating and introducing new laboratory technologies and methods.
Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with GLP and institutional quality standards.
Train new laboratory staff on GLP procedures and laboratory workflows, as needed.
Participate in laboratory, project, and quality meetings.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's or master's degree in biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
Experience with PCR, cell culture, immunoassays or other molecular biology techniques is preferred.
Experience working in a GLP, GMP, or clinical laboratory is a plus but not required.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
Commitment to producing high-quality, accurate work while following laboratory and regulatory requirements.

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

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 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

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 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.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE