Research Associate II - Neurology - Yun

Dr. Kyuson Yun's laboratory currently focuses on cancer stem cells and tumor immunology using genetically engineered mouse models, patient-derived xenografts (PDX), and fresh patient samples and leveraging our expertise in single-cell genomics. The long-term goal of the lab is to develop novel cancer therapies through foundational discoveries and technology development.  

Ongoing projects include: 1) elucidating novel mechanisms of immune suppression, particularly in a sex-biased manner, 2) discovering novel immunotherapy targets through single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of human cancers, 3) developing new biologic and nanotherapies to target cancer stem cells and immune suppression in brain cancer and other solid tumors.

Candidates with a strong background in tumor immunology, computational biology, stem cell biology, pharmacology, molecular biology/biochemistry, nanomedicine, or pharmacology- demonstrated by a strong publication track record- are strongly encouraged to apply.  We seek team members who share our passion for research, mission, and sense of curiosity and urgency.

Please submit a cover letter and CV to

kyun@houstonmethodist.org

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists PI/faculty by monitoring team of Research Assistants and Post Docs 0-2 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. Contributes to a team-focused work environment that actively helps one another achieve scientific goals.

• Promotes a positive work environment with the interprofessional care team to achieve optimal department results. 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. Participates in teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance.

• Teaches peers and staff to critically think by verbally expressing rationale for decisions and follows up consistently. Uses peer-to-peer accountability towards improvement of department score for employee engagement.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• At PI/Faculty's direction, organizes the workflow, proactively problem solves, anticipates needs, and manages multiple ongoing priorities. Independently handles resolution of complex problems and issues and notifies PI/Faculty of issue and resolution. Serves as escalation support for less experienced staff.

• Analyzes data for research grants and publications (medium to 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 complexity).

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• At the direction of the PI/Faculty, writes and maintains regulatory and safety committee applications/protocols.

• Provides advanced technical research skills and establishes test methods and procedures. Documents procedures and changes to procedure in PI/Faculty's Lab Study Methods manual and Laboratory Notebooks.

• Establishes and maintains quality control of project operations including establishing appropriate controls and standards for experimental procedures.

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.

• Assists with ensuring orders for supplies are on appropriate grants.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in publication and grant writing at PI/Faculty direction.

• Determines specific research project goals and objectives to be attained. Assumes responsibility and oversight for those goals and objectives at the PI/Faculty's direction.

• Assists with developing skills of lab team (staff and students) 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