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Research Engineer - Orthopedics - Biomechanics

Location: Houston Methodist Academic Institute
6670 Bertner Ave
Houston, TX 77030
Job Ref:
52212
Talent Area:
Academic Institute
Job Shift:
1st - Day
Job Type:
Full-Time
Posted Date:
Jan. 26, 2024

At Houston Methodist, the Research Engineer I position is responsible for providing technical support for laboratory-based research. This position, under the direction of a Principle Investigator (PI), may support bench techniques, working with laboratory animals, scientific writing, and data analysis. The Research Engineer I position may oversee equipment calibration, certification and maintenance agreements as well as operate a variety of laboratory equipment. This position may participate in the development or establishment of new laboratory procedures, including biological assays, quantitative and qualitative analyses.

Additional Information: 

Responsibilities will include data management, data reconstruction, equipment maintenance, data collection, and training/managing interns and student researchers. Experience working in the motion biomechanics field and familiarity with motion capture systems, EMG, and force platforms is preferred. Applicants must be comfortable working in fast-paced research environment. 

Preferred Qualifications:  

  • Education 
    • BS or MS degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Kinesiology, or related fields 
  • Knowledge (Required) 
    • Working knowledge of the musculoskeletal system 
    • Coding experience, preferably in Python 
    • Experience working with Motion Capture systems 
  • Skills 
    • Organizational skills 
    • Data management skills 
    • Motion biomechanics skills 
    • Coding  
    • Statistical analysis & Statistics Software 
    • Literature Review 
    • Problem-solving  
    • Proficiency in excel, Microsoft office, EndNote 
    • Oral and written communication 

For more information, visit thecenterforhumanperformance.org.

Requirements:

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Maintains/manages contact with sponsors.
  • Contributes to teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the department by actively communicating and reporting data in a comprehensive manner.
  • Conducts self in a manner that is congruent with cultural diversity, equity and inclusion principles. Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.


SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Creates designs for instruments or devices.
  • Accurately writes protocols, procedures, research and grant proposals.
  • Safely operates a variety of laboratory equipment. Effectively utilizes computer systems, including office applications, and statistical or technical software.


QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Analyzes, implements and tests materials. Accurately collects, records, compiles and analyzes data.
  • Handles human and/or animal tissue according to department protocols and policies.
  • Oversees equipment calibration, certification and maintenance agreements.
  • Maintains safety, emergency preparedness, MSDS and other Laboratory Specific procedures.


FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Utilizes resources with cost effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed.


GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Participates in the development or establishment of new laboratory procedures, including biological assays, quantitative and qualitative analyses.
  • Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan 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

  • Bachelor of Arts or Science degree


WORK EXPERIENCE

  • None

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

  • N/A


LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - PREFERRED

  • Engineers in Training-EIT Certification

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 analyze complex clinical and research data
  • Ability to interpret compliance requirements
  • Exhibits good listening skills
  • Ability to work independently and analyze and solve problems
  • Demonstrates the ability to manage complex clinical and interpersonal situations
  • Able to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects
  • Self-motivated with the ability to think critically and work independently

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

  • Uniform No
  • Scrubs No
  • Business professional Yes
  • 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 Academic Institute oversees the Education Institute and Research Institute, including 772 faculty and 56,250 learners. The Academic Institute aligns our research and education initiatives in service to the clinical mission, providing solutions that answer the call for new technologies and skills our clinicians need for patient care.

Houston Methodist Education Institute coordinates our primary academic affiliation with Weill Cornell Medicine and other joint programs, including the Engineering Medicine Program at Texas A&M University Intercollegiate School of Engineering Medicine. The Education Institute also oversees continuing medical education and graduate medical education, and supports more than 1,000 trainees in residence for medical, nursing, allied health and research education programs.

Houston Methodist Research Institute supports research programs and infrastructure that enable faculty across the system to bring new scientific discoveries to patients as rapidly as possible through the full cycle of a cure from conceptual bench research, to prototyping and development, to clinical trials and FDA approval. The Research Institute supports more than 1,387 clinical research protocols and $70.3 million in extramurally funded translational research programs.

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.

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