Research Assistant II
POD 3’s mission is to provide the best possible experience for our faculty with regard to financial and administrative needs. Agility, accuracy and collaborative initiatives will enable us to move quickly and offer value added solutions. We will continuously seek new ways of working smarter for better results. We do this to provide our faculty and staff the tools they need to make decisions and advance excellence in their scientific endeavors.
Under moderate supervision, set up, conduct experiments, and continue research projects following protocols including the appropriate recording of data and reporting of standard or variant results. Assist in other laboratory and research functions
Duties and Responsibilities
- Under moderate supervision, conduct and evaluate experiments and assays
- Understand and follow experimental protocols (may include animal handling, tissue culture, etc.)
- Proficient or willing to learn mouse husbandry, maintenance, and experiments
- Record, compile, interpret, and communicate data/results to supervisor
- Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, radioactivity, toxic material, and/or carcinogens)
- Perform calculations involving molarity, percent solutions, and serial dilutions
- Prepare, operate, and troubleshoot equipment in experimental procedures
- Provide appropriate written documentation of experiments
- Prepare preliminary research progress reports
- Summarize test results appropriately
- Read and follow all equipment manuals
- Maintain and repair equipment according to manufacturer and University guidelines
- Ensure Laboratory is prepared for experiments
- Maintain inventories (chemicals, resources)
- Maintain sterile conditions as required
- Prepare reagents
- Demonstrate an understanding of acceptable procedures and techniques
- Recognize problems and suggest solutions
- Assist in modifications as directed
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent experience) (Required)
- 2 years experience (Required)
- Strong communication skills, positive attitude, and desire to be part of a growing team that participates in multidisciplinary collaborations with other lab groups
Experience or Willingness to work with laboratory animal models Not required, but ideal candidates will:
- Have experience with some of the following techniques: RNA/DNA extraction, PCR, Western blotting, sterile cell culture, single cell sequencing, fluorescent microscopy
- Have experience working with animal models of disease
- Commit to a minimum of 2 years of full-time employment. Those who wish to pursue medical school or a PhD in the future are welcome.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.
About Us
Vanderbilt is a community of talented and diverse staff & faculty!
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice through:
- Working and growing together as a community of communities... we are One Vanderbilt.
- Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self, while providing the resources and opportunities to learn and grow.
- Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally while fostering the value that every member of the Vanderbilt community can lead and grow regardless of title or position.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
*************************************************************************************************************************
Vanderbilt University has made the safety of our students, faculty and staff, and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University recently announced that students, faculty, and staff, are required to be vaccinated against COVID. As a prospective and/or a new employee at Vanderbilt, you will be required to comply with the University’s vaccination protocol. Effective, August 1, 2021, proof of full vaccination or an approved accommodation will be required before the start of employment in order to work at Vanderbilt University.
Accommodations for medical and religious exemptions can be requested with the Equal, Opportunity and Access Office https://www.vanderbilt.edu/eoa/.