Research Assistant II - Nanomedicine - Godin lab

The Godin Laboratory, at the Houston Methodist Research Institute, is seeking a full-time Research Assistant II to contribute to exciting translational research in the development, delivery, and analysis of nanomedicines in multiple clinical fields, including cancer, skin regeneration, infectious diseases, obstetrics, and neurology. This position is suitable for individuals with intrinsic inquisitiveness and interest in working in research environment, who will perform and assist in experiments related to both animal studies and in vitro applications in cell cultures and tissues. The ideal candidate will possess excellent analytical laboratory skills and techniques.

The ideal candidate is expected to

1. Have hands-on experience working with small animals (rodents) including handling and tissue collection; preference to candidates with strong animal handling and imaging skills.
2. Have hands-on experience with cell culture and related techniques.
3. Possess strong communication skills
4. Possess strong organization skills and ability to maintain detailed experimental records.
5. Ability to operate analytical laboratory equipment and adapt to learning new and relevant equipment and software needed to carry out experiments
6. Ability to perform routine experiments independently or with minimal supervision/guidance from PI and/or senior laboratory members.

Responsibilities will include: 

1. Coordinate and conduct experiments in the frame of research projects in the laboratory setting in accordance to established protocols and research objectives.
2. Animal experiments to include rodent handling, surgeries, substance administration, necropsies, and tissue and blood collection
3. Routine analytical procedures including molecular biology, tissue culture, mammalian cell maintenance and culture, protein (RNA/DNA/protein) processing and quantification, imaging (BF, Confocal, and in vivo), IHC/IF, and quantitative assays (RT-PCR, ELIZA, MTT)
4. Data acquisition and analysis
5. Maintaining detailed records.

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 on-going basis.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Arts or Science in a related field

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Two years' relevant research or academic experience