Research Associate I

A Computational Research Associate position is available in Dr. Mattohti's laboratory for a highly motivated candidate with expertise in bioinformatics and a strong interest in investigating the epigenomic mechanisms underlying cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. The successful candidate will analyze and integrate bulk and single-cell high-throughput sequencing datasets, including ATAC-seq, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and Hi-C, to identify regulatory mechanisms that drive cancer development and treatment response.

Candidates should hold an M.S. or Ph.D. in computational biology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, data science, or a related quantitative field. Applicants should have strong programming skills, particularly in R and/or Python, and experience applying computational and statistical methods to high-dimensional biological datasets. Experience with single-cell genomics and/or epigenomics data analysis is preferred. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary research team investigating the epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms that regulate cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. This position offers opportunities to develop and apply innovative computational approaches, collaborate closely with experimental scientists and clinicians, and contribute to impactful basic and translational cancer research. Our laboratory values scientific rigor, intellectual curiosity, innovation, teamwork, and professional development, while fostering a collaborative and supportive research environment with a strong commitment to work life balance.

Projects will focus on the functional epigenomics with two directions towards:

(1) understanding the role of epigenetic aberrations in early tumorigenesis, disease progression and the development of therapy resistance, and

(2) searching for biomarkers and specific therapeutic targets for personalized cancer medicine.

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

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Academic Institute oversees the Education Institute and Research Institute. The Academic Institute aligns our research and education initiatives in service to the clinical mission, providing solutions that answer the call for new technologies and skills our clinicians need for patient care. Houston Methodist Education Institute coordinates our primary academic affiliation with Weill Cornell Medicine and other joint programs, including the Engineering Medicine Program at Texas A&M University Intercollegiate School of Engineering Medicine. The Education Institute also oversees continuing medical education and graduate medical education, and supports trainees in residence for medical, nursing, allied health and research education programs. Houston Methodist Research Institute supports research programs and infrastructure that enable faculty across the system to bring new scientific discoveries to patients as rapidly as possible through the full cycle of a cure from conceptual bench research, to prototyping and development, to clinical trials and FDA approval. The Research Institute supports clinical research protocols and extramurally funded translational research programs.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.