Research Technician I - Dr. Hung Luu

Research Technician

Dr. Hung Luu lab is looking for a Research Technician who can coordinate and perform biospecimen collection, processing, aliquoting, and storage following standardized protocols (e.g., for blood, urine, saliva, fecal samples and/or tumor tissues). Maintain and manage biorepository inventory using electronic tracking systems (e.g., REDCap, FreezerPro). Ensure accurate labeling, documentation, and chain-of-custody procedures for all biospecimens. Oversee day-to-day lab operations, including ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and ensuring laboratory safety and regulatory compliance. Support PIs' studies by assisting with data entry, quality control, and basic statistical summaries of biospecimen or assay data. Coordinate with research staff, research coordinators, investigators, and external collaborators for sample shipments, tracking, and data linkage.

At Houston Methodist, the Research Technician I position is responsible for, while under supervision, assisting scientists with laboratory and investigative procedures. This position performs various 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.

Houston Methodist Standards

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
• Integrity: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
• Compassion: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
• Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
• Respect: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
• Excellence: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.
• Practices the Caring and Serving Model
• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards
• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)
• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience
• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job
• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

Responsibilities

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrates teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance to achieve optimal department results.
• Collaborates with all members of the laboratory team by actively communicating, providing meaningful contributions and reporting pertinent information as it relates to assigned system(s) in a comprehensive manner.
• Uses peer-to-peer accountability towards improvement of department score for turnover/retention/employee engagement

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs bench chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology or other scientific techniques according to protocol.
• Accurately conducts microscope work and basic image analysis.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conducts the safe collection and handling of human/animal tissue, blood or other biological specimens which includes animal handling and may include basic animal husbandry.
• 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, reducing incidental overtime, and prioritizes daily tasks.
• Collaborates with management to order appropriate laboratory supplies and equipment within the department.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in department initiatives, projects and shared governance activities.
• Trains in new techniques and procedures as they emerge, as appropriate.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an on-going basis.

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

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

WORK EXPERIENCE

• None

License/Certification

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• N/A

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
• Ability to communicate effectively and escalate utilizing problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Effective time management skills
• Experience with computer spreadsheets or databases
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Ability to utilize independent judgment

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

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.