Research Associate III - RNAcore

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At Houston Methodist, the Research Associate III position is responsible for conducting advanced laboratory experiments on research projects with little to no supervision. This position is considered a subject matter expert utilizing advanced technical research skills and establishing test methods and procedures under the direction of Department Chairperson or Scientist (Faculty) and assists PI/faculty by leading a team of Research Associates, Assistants and Post Docs 0-2 in scientific activities. The Research Associate III position evaluates results of (or response to) process; summarizes data; provides communication of needs, issues to be addressed and all important information necessary to ensure scientific success. This position serves as liaison between team members, management, and PI's, resolving more complex matters for the area.

About The Role

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented scientist to join our RNAcore team in advancing RNA manufacturing processes. This role involves working in a GMP-regulated environment and contributing to the development and optimization of RNA production workflows.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform process development activities within RNA manufacturing.
• Support routine DNA/RNA manufacturing operations as needed.
• Develop and adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of all processes.
• Lead/collaborate on process automation initiatives (e.g., liquid handling systems).
• Support the implementation of new technologies.
  
  

Qualifications

• Experience in, or willingness to work within, a GMP-regulated environment.
• Hands-on experience in RNA process development.
• Familiarity with process automation tools and liquid handlers.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to documentation standards.
• Ability to work collaboratively and adapt to evolving project needs.
  
  

People Essential Functions

• Assists PI/faculty by leading a team of Research Associates, Assistants and Post Docs 0-2 in scientific activities. Provides communication of needs, issues to be addressed and all important information necessary to ensure scientific success. Facilitates open, professional communication to achieve mutual understanding.
• Role models excellent, clear, and professional communication skills to achieve mutual understanding and problem resolution. Demonstrates a positive work environment and contributes to a team-focused work environment that actively helps one another achieve department goals. Ensures collaboration among all members of the research team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent information as it relates to assigned system(s) in a comprehensive manner.
• Coaches staff to use efficient and effective communication and fosters staff engagement by demonstrating active listening, requesting, and acknowledging feedback, making equitable decisions, providing rationale when appropriate, and supporting organizational goals. Initiates contributions towards improvement of score for employee satisfaction.
  
  

Service Essential Functions

• At PI/Faculty's direction, leads and oversees work efforts, as appropriate, to ensure the best possible delivery of scientific products, data, outcomes, experimental results.
• Analyzes data for research grants and publications (high complexity). Maintains accurate records of all research and data collection
• Completes/performs research and incorporates novel procedures and methods into research experiments as appropriate (medium to high complexity).
• Serves as liaison between team members, management, and PI's, resolving more complex matters for the area.
  
  

Quality/Safety Essential Functions

• Provides advanced technical research skills and knowledge to establish laboratory procedures. At the direction of the PI/Faculty, writes and maintains regulatory and safety committee applications/protocols. Documents procedures and changes to procedure in PI/Faculty's Lab Study Methods manual and Laboratory Notebooks.
• Leads and conducts reviews on ongoing analysis, overseeing quality assurance of project operations as appropriate including establishing appropriate controls and standards for experimental procedures.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvement, related to procedures and laboratory operations. Provides recommendations to meet PI/Faculty's and/or department targets for quality and safety.
  
  

Finance Essential Functions

• Assists with ensuring orders are on appropriate grants, activities to include preparing cost projections for those experiments/grants proposals, and maintains accurate records of expenditures.
• Works with HM Supply Chain Mgmt. to researches best cost/quality options for supply orders while following Houston Methodist policies, following grant related regulation and purchasing contracts. Utilizes resources effectively and efficiently, demonstrating responsible financial stewardship.
  
  

Growth/Innovation Essential Functions

• Participates in publication and grant writing. Works toward submitting whole applications under permission and direction of PI/Faculty.
• Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving competencies, performance, and outcomes. Fosters a positive and constructive teaching environment by engaging staff and students in learning opportunities that are valuable and in alignment with scientific objectives.
• Participates in conferences and seminars. Proactively manages own professional development and completes My Development Plan.
  
  

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

• Terminal degree with Six years' post-doctoral experience or Master of Science degree with Nine years' research experience
  
  

Work Experience

• Six years' post-doctoral experience with Terminal degree or Nine years' research experience with Master's degree
  
  

Licenses And Certifications - Required

• N/A
  
  

Knowledge, 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
• Capable of handling challenging/difficult situations
• Demonstrates sound judgment and executes above average analytical skills
• Exhibits strong interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing workflow, and actively participating in problem-solving
  
  

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
  
  

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.