Research Assistant, Senior
Vanderbilt

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Description

The Research Assistant is part of the Basic Sciences Pod 3 in the School of Medicine at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for setting up and conducting in-vivo experiments, reporting data, and continuing research projects following protocols including the appropriate recording of data and reporting of standard or variant results.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

General:

Under limited supervision, set up, conduct experiments, report data, and continue in vivo research projects following protocols including the appropriate recording of data and reporting of standard or variant results. Assist in other laboratory and research functions. Help with the training of new personnel.

Specific:

• Available to work with varying schedule with start time between 6:00am and 8:00am, including weekends.
• Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, biohazardous materials and fluids/tissues, and/or carcinogens).
  
• Becomes familiar with IACUC protocols and compliance. Assists with laboratory animal care as needed
• Conduct or assist with a multitude of in vivo DMPK assays.
• Record, compile, interpret, and communicate data/results.
  
• Perform calculations involving molarity, % solutions, and serial dilutions.Handle small animals and prepare them for DMPK experiments.Administer small molecule compounds PO, IP or IV.
• Draw blood at specific time points and prepare plasma for shipping to DMPK lab.
• Collect samples of tissue, urine, or other organic substance as requested by DMPK lab.
  
• Conducts observations of physiological or behavioral findings on small animals.
  
• Periodically aliquot, label, and distribute liquid stocks of small molecule compounds.
• Serve as logistical coordinator for shipping and receiving of compounds and samples.
• Maintain up to date, accurate, and standardized records of colony and experiments/assays.
• Assist with general laboratory operations, including ordering supplies and consumables.
• Perform other duties as assigned; assist DMPK lab members with miscellaneous tasks.
  
• Maintain inventory of consumables, clean glassware/lab space, prepare and aliquot stock solutions. Assist in the efficient operation of the lab.
  
• Help maintain the instruments.
  
• Help in the training of new personnel.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time and lifting moderate weights. Tasks will also require fine motor skills and coordination (hand/eye coordination) and involve repetitive motions.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; the position reports administratively and functionally to the Principal Investigator.

Education and Certifications:

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
  
• A Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or similar field from an accredited institution of higher education is required.
  
• Experience in handling small animals preferred.
  

Experience and Skills:

• Four years of experience in a lab setting is strongly preferred
  
• Prior experience with in vivo experiments is necessary
• Exceptional laboratory technique (highly accurate and efficient pipetting)
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and quality control
• Familiarity with the basics of Microsoft Excel
• Strong in basic math and common scientific unit conversions
• Rapid and efficient communicator via email; works well in a team setting
• Comfortable with close, safe handling of mammalian biological fluids/tissues
• Ability to clearly communicate research results, ideas, and concerns
  

ABOUT US

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.

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 is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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