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Houston Methodist · 1 day ago

Research Assistant I - Cancer, Dr. Hung Luu lab

Houston, TX

Full-time

Onsite

New Grad, Entry Level

0+ years exp

Houston Methodist is a leading academic institute, and they are seeking a Research Assistant I to support Dr. Hung Luu's lab in cancer research. The role involves coordinating biospecimen collection and laboratory operations while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

Health CareMedical

Growth Opportunities

H1B Sponsor Likely

Responsibilities

Coordinate and perform biospecimen collection, processing, aliquoting, and storage following standardized protocols (e.g., for blood, urine, saliva, fecal samples and/or tumor tissues)

Maintain and manage biorepository inventory using electronic tracking systems (e.g., REDCap, FreezerPro)

Ensure accurate labeling, documentation, and chain-of-custody procedures for all biospecimens

Oversee day-to-day lab operations, including ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and ensuring laboratory safety and regulatory compliance

Support PIs’ studies by assisting with data entry, quality control, and basic statistical summaries of biospecimen or assay data

Coordinate with research staff, research coordinators, investigators, and external collaborators for sample shipments, tracking, and data linkage

Actively participates in research planning meetings and provides meaningful contributions that drive decision-making and clearly identifies next steps

Demonstrates teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance achieve optimal department results

Uses peer-to-peer accountability towards improvement of department score for turnover/retention/employee engagement

Performs technical laboratory research

Accurately follows technical instruction in setting up and conducting experiments, including biological assays, quantitative and qualitative analyses

Provides updates on assigned experiments and research outcomes

Maintains records of all tests performed and data collected

Ensures safe operation of appropriate laboratory equipment

Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations; contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety

Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies

Evaluates and reports on inventory levels

Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks

Assists department management in product evaluations and utilization of existing products

Participation in the development or establishment of new laboratory procedures, including biological assays, quantitative and qualitative analysis

Trains in new techniques as they emerge as appropriate

Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a researcher

Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an on-going basis

Qualification

Biospecimen collectionData entryLaboratory safetyElectronic tracking systemsTeamworkCommunicationAdaptability

Required

Bachelor of Arts or Science in a related field

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

Works well in a team environment, as well as independently, with minimal supervision

Ability to prioritize frequently, quickly shift tasks, and adapt to a rapidly changing environment

Company

Houston Methodist

Glassdoor4.3

Houston Methodist is one of the nation’s leading health systems and academic medical centers.

Founded in 1919

Houston, Texas, USA

10001+ employees

http://www.houstonmethodist.org/

H1B Sponsorship

Houston Methodist has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)

Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship

Represents job field similar to this job

Trends of Total Sponsorships

2025 (15)

2024 (11)

2023 (14)

2022 (12)

2021 (10)

2020 (10)