Research Scientific Director

At Houston Methodist, the Research/Scientific Director position is responsible for advancing the research mission of the Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI), which includes provides safety oversight for all labs, innovative technologies, high end instrumentation, and technical support and expertise in specialized equipment or processes that enhance research and other creative endeavors.

The Research/Scientific Director position is the gatekeeper for relationships with government and industry, and has the authority to halt research if needed, ensuring policy compliance and accreditation standards. This position will operate to ensure proper budgetary and operational needs/capabilities for the Core are met while providing support to management and staff to monitor scientific performance, standardize laboratory practices, optimize financial resources, maintain productivity and resolve technical, service and operational

issues.

 FLSA STATUS

Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

• EDUCATION PhD, terminal degree in one of the natural sciences
• EXPERIENCE Ten years of relevant research/academic experience
• Leadership or administrative track record, ideally with prior experience in developing or overseeing multi-faceted, interprofessional research enterprises within a lab environment
• LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Required Certification as applies to specific expertise. Licensed to provide clinical care/services as appropriate
• 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
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation and public speaking skills to work with others in a collegial atmosphere
• Experience developing and maintaining collaborative working relationships among stakeholders and partners on campus, in university, industry, government and/or the non-profit sector
• Expertise in a Core Facility/Laboratory specific scientific area
• Success in grant writing/proposal development and the acquisition of extramural funding
• Extensive understanding of scientific principles
• Aptitude to learn computer-based Core management/invoicing systems
• Expert level knowledge and skills in field of science related to research project
• ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Provides expert scientific guidance to HMAI scientists, staff, management and executives. Assists HMAI Principal Investigators with scientific advice surrounding Core area of expertise. Serves as liaison between scientists & staff and management, committees & executives related to area of expertise. Ensures all team members have been trained to use laboratory equipment, software, and supplies safely and efficiently
• Works with Communications and External Relations Office to establish Intra- and Inter-Net pages, marketing pamphlet, and other marketing tools (seminar, Grand Rounds, Posters, etc.)
• Assumes responsibility for the management, facilitation, and productivity of laboratory technologists. Initiates recommendations towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.
• SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Manages the overall operation and administration of the laboratory, including the employment of competent personnel, equipment, safety, laboratory policies, quality assurance, all testing (including proficiency testing) and test reports.
• Develops a strategic plan that includes sustainability and business models for existing core services and priorities for future instrumentation and services.
• Coordinates the submission of an annual report summarizing the activities and progress of the program. Maintains accurate records of expertise related activities and data.
• Performs complex (lab and/or field) experiments and maintains detailed records of experiments and outcomes; analyzes and interprets research data resulting from original procedures and methods; oversees critical analyses of data and improves methods/procedures/processes related to expertise
• QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Works with Core staff to ensure Core is prepared for inspections by Houston Methodist internal mechanisms (HMH Environmental Health Services (EHS), HMAI Institutional Review Board (IRB), HMAI HSC/IBC, HMAI Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)) and adheres to safety standards, (HM, HMAI, Core Specific). Regulatory responsibilities include; gate keeper/interaction with agencies, ensuring staff are in compliance with all regulatory requirements; conducting laboratory inspections as necessary.
• Establishes, implements and manages Core processes for scheduling of services/equipment and invoicing via appropriate HMAI system. Writes, maintains and reviews laboratory protocols of all research groups (internal and external) so as to understand all projects occurring within the lab; overseeing staff as required.
• Updates the lab safety plan and safety data sheets (SDS) as necessary; scheduling safety training for new hires or team members entering new roles; enforces policies around personal protective equipment.
• FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Actively engages in grant writing to federal agencies and private corporations. Participates in creating new research proposals and prepares for submission for funding and grants.
• Provides scientific advice in the area of expertise, financial comparisons for technology/equipment options and recommends direction for the Core’s capital equipment purchases for HMAI/Leadership/Strategic Plan. Assumes responsibility and oversight for goals and objectives related to “expertise”, to include preparing cost projections for department/office activities and maintains accurate records of expenditures.
• In coordination with the Office of Central Laboratory Operations and the Office of Budgets and Financial Reporting and in compliance with Federal regulations, establishes a schedule of charges (fee schedule) for services/resources provided by the Core.
• Monitors inventory and ordering supplies (chemicals, reagents, personal protective equipment, etc.) as necessary; scheduling laboratory and equipment time for staff; acting as a liaison between staff and key stakeholders.
• GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Attends annual national or international Leadership/Officer conferences. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.
• SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
• WORK ATTIRE Uniform: No
• Scrubs: No
• 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
• 
 Work Shift : 1 - Day (United States of America)

 Job Category :
• Non-clinical

Houston Methodist is one of the nation’s leading health systems and academic medical centers. The health system consists of eight hospitals: Houston Methodist Hospital, its flagship academic hospital in the Texas Medical Center, seven community hospitals and one long-term acute care hospital throughout the Greater Houston metropolitan area. Houston Methodist also includes a research institute; a comprehensive residency program; international patient services; freestanding comprehensive care clinics, emergency care and imaging centers; and outpatient facilities. Come lead with us!
 Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.