Research Assistant II - Neurosurgery

Overview

At Houston Methodist, the Research Assistant II position is responsible for providing technical research support. Work could be performed in either a laboratory or office environment. Under direct supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), this position assists scientists, both independently and collaboratively, with investigative procedures. The Research Assistant II position performs various assays, imaging experiments and other technical duties to assist with research activities and may be required to work with animal models and/or human subjects.

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

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

Responsibilities

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains positive working relationships with Research stakeholders and customers. Actively participates in planning meetings and provides meaningful contributions to drive decision making and next steps.

• Role models to team members effective communication skills, assisting in their development of such skills. Promotes 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 assigned system(s) in a comprehensive manner.

• Fosters staff engagement by demonstrating active listening, requesting and acknowledging feedback, providing rationale when appropriate, and supporting organizational goals. Works towards improving department's employee engagement score.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Follows technical instruction in setting up and conducting experiments, including biological assays, quantitative and qualitative analyses.

• Effectively utilizes and operates laboratory and/or computer equipment.

• Tabulates inventory and maintains supplies and equipment.

• Collaborates with PI's and other research members to provide consistent research collection.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains records of all tests performed and data collected.

• For laboratory positions: Makes minor modifications and/or repairs on laboratory equipment. Calibrates and operates a variety of laboratory equipment.

• Assists with implementation and education of department-based safety initiatives, standards of practice and protocols. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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

• Provides data and figures for manuscripts and grants.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in the development or establishment of new laboratory and/or department procedures, including biological assays, quantitative and qualitative analysis.

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an o