Research Assistant - Orthopedics - Taraballi lab

Overview

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.

Houston Methodist Standard

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVEDRefer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience.

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Displays cultural humility, diversity, equity and inclusion principles

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

Responsibilities

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.

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