Research Technician II

The Rostomily lab is looking for a research technician to support a recently funded NCI project to test the ability of a proprietary membrane protein expressed on glioma cells to evade immune surveillance in allograft and xenograft models. This will require performance of basic cell and molecular biology, tumor and normal neural cell culture, animal surgery for cell transplant, blood and brain/tumor tissue harvest, tissue processing for IHC, spatial transcriptomics, single nucRNAseq and small animal IVIS and MR imaging. Additional projects may involve generation and analysis of brain and spine metastasis models, acquisition and processing of glioma and brain and spine metastasis tissue samples and development of patient databases that can serve as templates for AI enabled analysis of outcomes and clinical treatment-molecular correlations. Prior experience analyzing immuno-oncology and single cell data, familiarity with glioma and spine/brain metastasis biology and interactions in clinical settings are desirable but not required. The candidate will have the unique opportunity to learn from and support a diverse research team that includes experienced PhD cancer biologists and neuroscientists, post-docs and grad students along with brain and spine neurosurgical oncologists with basic, translational and clinical expertise. The position is open now with a start date of September 1st 2026. Candidates are expected to be able to commit to at least a 2-year position.

At Houston Methodist, the Research Technician II position is responsible for performing scientific analyses and tests required for research under moderate supervision. This position performs various advanced assays, imaging experiments, and other technical duties to assist with the research activities of the laboratory and may be required to work with animal models and/or human subjects, performing scientific analyses and test required for research under direct supervision. The Research Technician II position may provide supervision and guidance to junior level technicians.

FLSA STATUS

Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Associates degree or two additional years of relative laboratory experience (in addition to the minimum experience requirements listed below) required in lieu of degree

EXPERIENCE

• None

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going 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 above average analytical skills

• Effective time management skills

• Experience with computer spreadsheets and database; competent in Microsoft Office products

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results.

• Teaches peers to critically think by verbally expressing rationale for decisions. Facilitates open, professional, communication to achieve mutual understanding, role modeling by example.

• Uses peer-to-peer accountability towards improvement of department score for turnover/retention/employee engagement.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs intermediate bench chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology or other scientific techniques according to protocol.

• Performs various advanced assays, basic image analysis and imaging experiments, and other technical duties to assist with the research activities of the laboratory.

• Organizes the workflow, proactively problem solves, anticipates needs, and manages multiple ongoing priorities. Provides communication of needs, issues to be addressed, and all important information necessary to ensure department success.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Implements appropriate interventions to ensure quality outcomes. Conducts quality audits on equipment, processes, outcomes and team member performance. Documents, develops and evaluates processes, procedures and outcomes.

• Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement, providing recommendations, and contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety. Assists with the implementation and education of department-based safety initiatives and standards of practice.

• Independently performs the safe collection and handling of human/animal tissue, blood or other biological specimens which includes animal handling and may include basic animal husbandry.

• Assists with writing laboratory protocols or procedures.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Evaluates and reports on inventory levels. Works with leadership to order appropriate laboratory supplies and equipment.

• Utilizes resources effectively and efficiently, demonstrating responsible financial stewardship. Manages own time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and prioritizes work to achieve maximum results in a timely manner.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a technician.

• Proactively manages own professional development and completes Individual Development Plan (IDP).

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

• Associates degree or two additional years of relative laboratory experience (in addition to the minimum experience requirements listed below) required in lieu of degree

EXPERIENCE

• None

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.