Vanderbilt Univ Medical Center - Nashville, TN
posted about 2 months ago
Full-time
Nashville, TN
About the position
The position involves working on NIH-funded projects at the intersection of genetics, immunology, and molecular biology, focusing on identifying and characterizing rare childhood diseases caused by novel genetic mutations. The candidate will work in a wet lab environment, collaborating with team members and contributing to high-impact research published in prestigious journals.
Responsibilities
- Drive scientific projects semi-independently
- Take care of basic lab upkeep tasks (Autoclave, liquid nitrogen, and CO2 monitoring)
- Assist colleagues with parts of their projects
- Order, receive and organize lab supplies
- Organize shipments and receive, process, store, and record biological samples
- Perform basic computational analysis
- Plan, conduct and evaluate experiments and assays of varying complexity
- Plan and coordinate experiments in conjunction with Principal Investigator (PI)
- Understand and follow experimental protocols (may include animal handling, tissue culture, etc.)
- Record, compile, interpret, and communicate data/results
- Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, radioactivity, toxic material, and/or carcinogens)
- Perform calculations involving molarity, % solutions, and serial dilutions
- Prepare, operate and troubleshoot equipment in experimental procedures
- Recommend equipment and supplies needed for research projects
- Read and follow all equipment manuals
- Maintain and repair equipment according to manufacturer and university guidelines
- Ensure laboratory is prepared for experiments
- Maintain inventories
- Maintain sterile conditions as required
- Prepare reagents
- Assist PI in modifying procedures and techniques
- Recognize problems and suggest solutions, assist in modifications
- Recommend improvements to established techniques and/or protocols
- Maintain personal knowledge of scientific trends through literature reviews, attendance at meetings, conferences and seminars
- Provide appropriate written/oral documentation of experiments
- Prepare research progress reports
- Analyze and summarize test results
- Preparation and oral presentation of data as required
- Assist in the effective operation of the laboratory
- Train other employees
- Supervise projects and/or personnel
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent
- 4 years of experience
Nice-to-haves
- Proficient in molecular biology
- Knowledge on human immunology and/or human genetics is a plus
