Overview
At Houston Methodist, the Postdoctoral Fellow position is responsible for performing basic research duties under the supervision/direction of a Physician and/or Principal Investigator (PI). This position may work in a laboratory setting or may consist of computer work that supports the department's research mission.

The Department of Radiology aims to develop translational therapeutics for patient-specific treatment within our integrated Houston Methodist Hospital/Research Institute. We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to develop engineered T cell therapy that is more effective in patients with solid tumors (PMID: 29025766, PMID: 36301668). The position will involve investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic stress in T cells and testing efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor-T cells in vitro and on animal models. Houston Methodist Hospital/Research Institute is in the heart of the Texas Medical Center and offers a strong infrastructure for research and career development. To obtain further details about the positions, feel free to email Irene M. Min – Research output — Houston Methodist Scholars ([email protected]) directly.

Experience in immunological techniques, imaging, and genomic data analysis is a plus. Excellent written and verbal English skills, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and be capable of working with large collaborative teams.


Responsibilities
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Assists the physician and/or Principal Investigator (PI) in maintaining the functionality and operations of the Principal Investigator's (PI) laboratory.
Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the department by actively communicating and reporting data in a comprehensive manner.
Role models to team members effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication, which includes active listening and teaching, assisting in development of such skills.
Provides contributions towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Develops research methods and performs research activities.
Documents research results and writes reports of results for presentation and/or publication in professional journals and other publications.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Follows all safety rules while on the job. Reports accidents promptly and corrects minor safety hazards. Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.
Assists with implementation and education of department-based safety initiatives, standards of practice and protocols. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes.
Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations and contributes to meeting department and laboratory targets for quality and safety.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Utilizes resources effectively and efficiently, demonstrating responsible financial stewardship. Manages own time effectively and prioritizes work to achieve maximum results in a timely manner.
Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Participates in pertinent research activities and evidenced-based practice projects. Participates in departmental projects and activities. Acts as a change agent.
Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Remains current on professional issues and clinical skills. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management.

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.


Qualifications
EDUCATION

Postdoctoral Fellow 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 - Doctor of Medicine (MD) from an accredited medical school or Terminal Degree in a related field (A letter from the academic institution certifying that all student work is complete will be considered for Postdoctoral Fellow 0 only.)

WORK EXPERIENCE

Postdoctoral Fellow 0 - None
Postdoctoral Fellow 1 - One year of Postdoc experience
Postdoctoral Fellow 2 - Two years' Postdoc experience
Postdoctoral Fellow 3 - Three years' Postdoc experience
Postdoctoral Fellow 4 - Four years' Postdoc experience


KSA/ Supplemental Data
KNOWLEDGE, 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
Demonstrated knowledge of biomedical research
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the workplace
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

Uniform No
Scrubs Yes
Business professional No
Other (department approved) Yes
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
Company Profile
Houston Methodist Research Institute was formed in 2004 to rapidly and efficiently translate discoveries made in the laboratory and the clinic into new diagnostics, therapies, and treatments. The research institute was created to provide the infrastructure and support for these endeavors, and to house the technology and resources needed to make innovative breakthroughs in important areas of human disease. A 540,000 square foot building dedicated to research, the research institute houses over 1,500 staff and trainees, 284 principal investigators and has more than 570 ongoing clinical trials.


Equal Employment Opportunity

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.