Research Assistant, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

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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. 

The Research Assistant will play a key role in diverse research domains spanning development of engineered therapeutics for diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and colitis as well as vaccines for prevention of infectious disease. The position involves working closely with the principal investigator and research group members to execute and maintain best laboratory practices for assigned tasks. The Research Assistant will be responsible for supporting day-to-day functions of the laboratory. This will include maintenance of IACUC protocols and records; establishing laboratory SOPs; maintenance of mouse colonies; and assisting with animal procedures and experiments such as in vivo imaging, injections of test compounds (IP, tail vein, or local), tumor inoculation and monitoring, euthanasia, necropsy, dissection, and tissue and cell isolation. Additional responsibilities will also include conducting or assisting with molecular biology experiments; data analysis; ordering supplies/reagents; assisting with equipment maintenance and user training; evaluating instrument and experimental quality assurance; communicating laboratory policies; assisting the PI with regulatory compliance and documentation; working with the PI to schedule work to meet experimental and publication deadlines; assist in preparation of presentations, grant proposals, and publications. Successful candidates will be prepared to communicate experimental results effectively, maintain rigorous and reliable lab records, and work reliably within a synergistic team cooperatively and with integrity.

The Wilson Lab in the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at Vanderbilt University seeks candidates to fill a Research Assistant position. The lab's mission is to develop and deploy advanced molecular engineering strategies to innovate new immunotherapies for cancer, inflammatory and autoimmune disease, and infectious diseases. Please refer to www.immunoengineeringlab.org to learn more about our research, team members, and news updates.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Animal husbandry

• Perform breeding and genotyping of transgenic mice 
• Perform in vivo imaging protocols
• Perform tumor inoculation and monitoring of tumor growth
• Perform compound injection via multiple administration routes
• Perform necropsy and dissection 

Molecular and cell biological analysis

• Cell culture
• Gel electrophoresi
• Western blotting
• Molecular cloning
• RNA/DNA extraction
• qRT-PCR 
• Immunohistochemistry
• Flow cytometry 

Assist with daily lab operations

• Assist in maintaining lab instruments
• Assist in maintaining compliance with animal use, biological, and chemical safety protocols
• Assist with inventory and procurement of lab supplies and reagents
• Assist with IACUC protocol management

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., biomedical engineering, biology, biochemistry) is required.
• Experience in animal handling and procedures is strongly preferred.
• Experience in standard molecular biology techniques is strongly preferred. 
• Strong communication and organizational skills are required.
• Prior experience as a Research Assistant, Lab Manager, or Staff Scientist is preferred.
• Diligence along with the ability and desire to maintain high quality and safety standards are required.

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. 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. 

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.