Research Associate II - Urology, Dr. Keith Chan lab

Houston Methodist; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative research environment

Job summary

A leading academic healthcare institution seeks a Research Associate II to conduct advanced laboratory research with minimal supervision. The ideal candidate will have a terminal degree or a Master’s with 7 years of experience, and exceptional research and communication skills. Responsibilities include overseeing research assistants, conducting experiments, and analyzing data. This position offers opportunities for professional development and collaboration in a dynamic research environment.

Qualifications

• Terminal Degree with four years’ post-doctoral experience or Master’s degree with seven years’ research experience required.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with patients and colleagues.
• Proficiency in conducting high-complexity laboratory research tasks.
• Ability to initiate and complete tasks with minimal supervision
• Ability to communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co‑workers with a customer service focus
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English to perform essential functions

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced laboratory experiments on research projects.
• Monitor and support research assistants and post-docs.
• Analyze data for research grants and publications.
• Organizes workflow and problem solves, serves as escalation support for staff
• Analyzes data for research grants and publications; maintains accurate records
• Completes research and implements novel procedures and methods as appropriate
• Writes and maintains regulatory and safety applications/protocols and documents procedural changes
• Manages time and resources effectively to achieve timely results

Skills

Advanced technical research skills

Effective communication

Independent problem solving

Timely task completion

Team collaboration

Time management

Education

Terminal Degree with four years’ post-doctoral experience or Master of Science degree with seven years’ research experience

MS with 7 years research experience

Job description

Research Associate II – Urology, Dr. Keith Chan Lab

At Houston Methodist Academic Institute, the Research Associate II position is responsible for conducting advanced laboratory experiments on research projects with minimal supervision. This position provides advanced technical research skills and establishes test methods and procedures under the direction of a Department Chairperson or Scientist (Faculty). The Research Associate II evaluates the results (or response to) processes, summarizes data, and may provide oversight and guidance to other associates.

FLSA Status

Exempt

Qualifications

Education

• Terminal Degree with Four years’ post‑doctoral experience or Master of Science degree with Seven years’ research experience

Experience

• Four years’ post‑doctoral experience with Terminal Degree or Seven years’ research experience with Master’s degree

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
• Exercises independent judgment related to situations of a sensitive, confidential, and scientific nature
• Ability to initiate and complete tasks with minimal supervision
• Ability to deal with high volumes and rigid deadlines

Essential Functions

People Essential Functions

• Assists PI/faculty by monitoring team of Research Assistants and Post Docs 0–2 scientific activities. Provides communication of needs, issues to be addressed, and all important information necessary to ensure scientific success. Facilitates open, professional communication to achieve mutual understanding. Role models excellent, clear, and professional communication skills to achieve mutual understanding and problem resolution. Contributes to a team-focused work environment that actively helps one another achieve scientific goals.
• Promotes a positive work environment with the interprofessional care team to achieve optimal department results. Ensures collaboration among all members of the research team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent information as it relates to assigned system(s) in a comprehensive manner. Participates in teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance.
• Teaches peers and staff to critically think by verbally expressing rationale for decisions and follows up consistently. Uses peer‑to‑peer accountability towards improvement of department score for employee engagement.

Service Essential Functions

• At PI/Faculty’s direction, organizes the workflow, proactively problem solves, anticipates needs, and manages multiple ongoing priorities. Independently handles resolution of complex problems and issues and notifies PI/Faculty of issue and resolution. Serves as escalation support for less experienced staff.
• Analyzes data for research grants and publications (medium to high complexity). Maintains accurate records of all research and data collection.
• Completes/performs research and incorporates novel procedures and methods into research experiments as appropriate (medium complexity).

Quality/Safety Essential Functions

• At the direction of the PI/Faculty, writes and maintains regulatory and safety committee applications/protocols.
• Provides advanced technical research skills and establishes test methods and procedures. Documents procedures and changes to procedure in PI/Faculty’s Lab Study Methods manual and Laboratory Notebooks.
• Establishes and maintains quality control of project operations including establishing appropriate controls and standards for experimental procedures.

Finance Essential Functions

• Utilizes resources effectively and efficiently, demonstrating responsible financial stewardship. Manages own time effectively and prioritizes work to achieve maximum results in a timely manner.
• Assists with ensuring orders for supplies are on appropriate grants.

Growth/Innovation Essential Functions

• Participates in publication and grant writing at PI/Faculty direction.
• Determines specific research project goals and objectives to be attained. Assumes responsibility and oversight for those goals and objectives at the PI/Faculty’s direction.
• Assists with developing skills of lab team (staff and students) in alignment with scientific objectives.
• Participates in conferences and seminars. Proactively manages own professional development and completes My Development Plan.

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 (e.g., 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