Research Associate I- Flow Cytometry Core

The Houston Methodist Flow Cytometry Core is recruiting a full-time salaried research cytometry specialist to join our team. This shared resource lab supports the research laboratories of more than 70 principal investigators working in all aspects of biology from stem cell, cancer, immunology to biomarker research. The Houston Methodist Research Institute is in the heart of the Texas Medical Center.

Facility staff manage a busy schedule, operate equipment including Becton Dickenson AriaII and Discovery S8 sorters, an A5SE and Fortessa Analyzers, Cytek Aurora, Luminex LX200, Millipore 8-HT, Becton Dickenson A3 analyzer and Sony MA900 Sorter. In addition, staff will train users on the analyzers, troubleshoot instruments, develop new methodologies as needed per investigator requests, and assist in analyzing data.

This position requires excellent technical skills and teamwork with colleagues and researchers in operation and troubleshooting of flow cytometers and cell sorters. The successful candidate will be a self-motivated, hardworking, responsible individual, dedicated to high standards and integrity in line with Houston Methodist’s ICARE Values. Interest in customer education, customer training, and service is paramount. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

The individual must be capable of executing tasks in an organized manner in a busy core laboratory environment. The candidate will be offered many opportunities for career development and continuing education. Prior demonstrable knowledge of BD FACS Diva systems is preferred, especially with AriaII sorting systems. Tasks include; independent operation of cytometers and sorters, including setup and Q/C, daily monitoring and assisting with billing, maintain cleanliness of lab and inventory, perform regular data backups, and analyzes and prepares preliminary data files. Trains and/or assists research personnel in use of analysis software.

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

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. 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

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