Research Assistant I - Rooney CAGT

The Translational Research Assistant & GLP Technologist will work in a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) laboratory supporting cell therapy clinical trials at the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy (CAGT). This position involves processing and analyzing patient samples, performing laboratory tests, and helping develop and validate laboratory methods used to support clinical studies.
The successful candidate will report to the Translational Laboratory Supervisor and work closely with clinicians, principal investigators (PIs), research coordinators and GMP manufacturing teams. Comprehensive training will be provided. As the translational program expands, responsibilities may evolve to meet the needs of ongoing and future clinical studies.
Primary Responsibilities
- Process blood, tissue, and other patient specimens according to clinical study protocols and GLP requirements.
- Perform molecular and cellular assays, including PCR, cell culture, immunoassays, and flow cytometry.
- Support product characterization, release testing, and patient follow-up testing for cell therapy clinical trials.
- Help develop, optimize, validate, and implement laboratory assays and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Assist with evaluating and introducing new laboratory technologies and methods.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with GLP and institutional quality standards.
- Train new laboratory staff on GLP procedures and laboratory workflows, as needed.
- Participate in laboratory, project, and quality meetings.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's or master's degree in biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
- Experience with PCR, cell culture, immunoassays or other molecular biology techniques is preferred.
- Experience working in a GLP, GMP, or clinical laboratory is a plus but not required.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to producing high-quality, accurate work while following laboratory and regulatory requirements. FLSA STATUS
Exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Arts or Science in a related field

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
• Works well in a team environment, as well as independently, with minimal supervision
• Ability to prioritize frequently, quickly shift tasks, and adapt to a rapidly changing environment

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Actively participates in research planning meetings and provides meaningful contributions that drive decision-making and clearly identifies next steps.
• Demonstrates teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance achieve optimal department results.
• Uses peer-to-peer accountability towards improvement of department score for turnover/retention/employee engagement.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs technical laboratory research.
• Accurately follows technical instruction in setting up and conducting experiments, including biological assays, quantitative and qualitative analyses.
• Provides updates on assigned experiments and research outcomes.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains records of all tests performed and data collected.
• Ensures safe operation of appropriate laboratory equipment.
• Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations; contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Evaluates and reports on inventory levels. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.
• Assists department management in product evaluations and utilization of existing products.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participation in the development or establishment of new laboratory procedures, including biological assays, quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Trains in new techniques as they emerge as appropriate.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a researcher. Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an on-going 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

Work Shift:

1 - Day (United States of America)

Job Category:

Non-clinical Houston Methodist is one of the nation’s leading health systems and academic medical centers. The health system consists of eight hospitals: Houston Methodist Hospital, its flagship academic hospital in the Texas Medical Center, seven community hospitals and one long-term acute care hospital throughout the Greater Houston metropolitan area. Houston Methodist also includes a research institute; a comprehensive residency program; international patient services; freestanding comprehensive care clinics, emergency care and imaging centers; and outpatient facilities. Come lead with us!

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.