City: Nashville, TN, US
Employer Reference: 10005933
Company Description
Company Description
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.
Job Description
The Research Assistant position provides support for ongoing research efforts in the Department of Pharmacology at Vanderbilt University and is responsible for contributing to multiple research projects with minimal supervision. The primary project integrates addiction and sensory neuroscience using cutting-edge technology to trace neural sensory tracts in combination with immunohistochemistry, optogenetics, in vivo fiber photometry, and behavioral pharmacology in rodents. The individual hired for this position will be expected to set up and conduct experiments, analyze and record data, as well as assist with lab organization/general administrative duties, and assist in other laboratory and research functions.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Under minimal supervision, plans, conducts and evaluates experiments and assays of varying complexity.
- Understands and follows experimental protocols (including animal behavioral, animal imaging, biochemistry studies, etc.).
- Recommends improvements to established techniques and/or protocols.
- Establishes new protocols in the lab including hardware optimization, parameterization, and documentation.
- Carries out work with proper aseptic technique.
- Follows University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, biohazardous materials, and/or radioactivity).
- Conducts mouse and rat colony maintenance, including breeding and genotyping.
- Maintains and builds equipment, including 3D design and print, circuit board soldering, and optomechanical construction.
- Dispenses controlled substances and maintains accurate controlled substance inventory and recording keeping of dispense logs.
- Maintain accurate databases and records, and analyze, interpret, and communicate findings.
- Present data at lab meetings at least 1x per month
- Trains new trainees and staff.
Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, biology, chemistry or a related field of study from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
- Experience with rodent behavior, building/optimizing related apparatuses, and related analyses is necessary.
- Experience with programmable microprocessors is necessary.
- Strong organizational, oral, and written communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of lab members are necessary.
- Attention to detail is necessary and work with minimal supervision.
- Self-motivation with a strong sense of personal responsibility and accountability is necessary.