Postdoctoral Fellow - Reconstructive Surgery Lab

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

Additional Information:

The Houston Methodist Hospital, Division of Plastic Surgery is offering a 2 year post-doctoral plastic surgery research fellowship position available beginning July 1, 2025 and ending on June 30, 2027.

The position is open to candidates who possess MD, DO, PhD, or equivalent international post-doctoral degrees interested in clinical plastic surgery research. Completion of the USMLE Step I and Step II exams is highly encouraged prior to starting the fellowship.The fellow will take an active role on multiple clinical projects within our plastic surgery division. The fellow will helpcoordinate research projects with the medical students, residents, and fellows at our institution. The goal is to have 15-20 publications by the end of the 2-year fellowship, and to present at several local, regional, and national meetings. A stipend for travel to be able to attend conferences will be available. There are also opportunities for book chapters and basic science research as the projects come along.Applicants must have an interest in learning IRB submission, study design, basic statistics, database query and management, chart review, manuscript preparation/submission and grant writing. The fellow will be invited to participate in departmental conferences and educational activities.

We currently have 15 full-time plastic surgery faculty and have an independent (traditional) track, ACGME plastic surgery fellowship that accepts 2 fellows a year. Our program is affiliated with Weill Cornell Medicine and Texas A&M University.

Prior research fellows have completed on average 10 manuscripts annually, along with book chapters and other publications. Interested candidates, please email letters of interest and curriculum vitae to: AEcho@houstonmethodist.org or mail to Anthony Echo, M.D., Clinical Associate Professor, Division of Plastic Surgery, The Methodist Institute for Reconstructive Surgery, 6560 Fannin Street, Scurlock Tower, Suite 2200, Houston, TX 77030.  

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.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists the physician 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.

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