Research Associate 1

Houston Methodist; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist is seeking a Research Associate I to perform laboratory experiments on ongoing research projects under the direction of faculty. The role emphasizes technical research skills, data evaluation, and meticulous record-keeping to support department goals.

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s degree or PhD-equivalent with post-doctoral experience, demonstrate strong English communication, and can work independently while ensuring safety and quality in the laboratory environment.

Qualifications

• Requires a Master’s degree in a related field or a terminal degree with two years post-doctoral experience.
• Five years of experience, depending on education level.
• Strong communication and analytical skills; ability to work independently and safely in a lab setting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments on defined research projects under supervision.
• Evaluate results and summarize data; prepare scientific presentations for department meetings.
• Maintain accurate records of experiments and data collection.
• Contribute to grant writing and project goal setting as part of the research team.

Skills

Communication skills

English proficiency

Independent work

Analytical skills

Safety awareness

Education

Master's degree or terminal degree with post-doc experience

Job description

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.

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

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

EXPERIENCE

• Five years experience, depending on education level

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
• Ability to work independently
• Capable of handling challenging/difficult situations
• Demonstrates sound judgment and executes analytical skills

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: Yes
• Other (department approved): No

*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

ON-CALL*

• 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

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

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

EXPERIENCE

• Five years experience, depending on education level