What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Fellow - Neuroprosthetics position at Houston Methodist?
At Houston Methodist, the Postdoctoral Fellow position is responsible for performing basic research duties under the supervision/direction of a Physician and/or Principal Investigator (PI). This position may work in a laboratory setting or may consist of computer work that supports the department's research mission.
**Priority given to those candidates with the following skillset:
- Perform small animal surgical and technical procedures, including but not limited to intracerebral, intracerebroventricular and intravenous injections in rodents
- Ability to troubleshoot and refine surgical techniques, based on previous experience
- Have a strong dedication to animal welfare while expanding both their scientific knowledge and surgical and technical procedure portfolio
- Perform CNS tissue dissection, trimming and processing (immunohistochemistry), collect bodily fluids (blood, cerebrospinal fluid)
- Develop and maintain bibliography database
- Writing and preparation of papers and grant applications
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Assists the physician and/or Principal Investigator (PI) 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 the 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