Job Information
Vanderbilt University Research Assistant in Tennessee
A Research Assistant position is open to provide support to the ECHO project, a large NIH funded multiyear study on Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes. This position is to perform administrative and technical duties of the laboratory. The primary responsibility will be to provide robot assisted sample preparation and data collection by NMR and other methods. Precise laboratory work, some computational knowledge, working with Excel and basic windows OS tools, an interest in working with automation tools, troubleshooting, and data management are necessary.
The individual will work closely with the laboratory manager in a dynamic laboratory environment. The ability to function independently as well as part of a team is critical. Excellent organizational and communication skills (both verbal and written) are essential.
The candidate will have lab experience in chemistry, biology, or a related field and is used to working in an environment where attention to detail, working reliably, exactly, responsibly, and independently is of utmost importance.
About McLean Research Group:
Our research focuses on the design, construction, and application of advanced technologies for structural mass spectrometry, in particular, for studies in biomolecular separations, biophysics, and chemical and synthetic biology. To identify and structurally characterize the inventory of biomolecules arising from complex samples, we perform multidimensional chemical separations centered around condensed-phase chromatography (GC, LC, SFC) combined with ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS), the latter of which provides separations on the basis of apparent surface area (ion-neutral collision cross section) and mass-to-charge (m/z), respectively. Biomolecular structural information is interpreted by comparing experimentally obtained collision cross-sections in the context of those obtained via predictions from empirical models, machine learning, and molecular dynamics simulations.
Key Functions and Expected Performance: (including but not limited to)
Anticipated lab work duties:
• Reliable and precise sample handling, including storage and preparation
• Quality-conscious and precise working methods
• Proper time management to meet deadlines
• Enjoy working and troubleshooting of automated equipment
• Writing and updating laboratory protocols as needed
• Perform, interpret, and evaluate data and results
• Perform test experiment procedures relating to laboratory activities
• Preparation of buffers and reagents
Ensure the most effective operation
• Daily monitoring of equipment and data quality
• Aid in repair and maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Method development on sample preparation robots and NMR equipment
• Ability to support/maintain multiple research projects
• Enjoy learning and working with data management tools and customized programs.
• Team player
Administrative tasks:
• Assemble and compile research data for storage and presentation
• Ordering, shipment, and receiving of consumables or parts
• Computational skills, Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel
• Other tasks as directed by the supervisor
Desired but not required skills:
• Basic programming in Java, C++, or python
• Familiarity with NMR measurements
• Website management skills
Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities. It reports functionally to the NMR Research Associate Professor, the Principal Investigator, and administratively to the Department Project Manager.
Education and Certifications:
Bachelor in chemistry or other related science field. Motivated and qualified candidates with other backgrounds or 2-year degrees might be considered as well.
Experience:
• Experience working in a lab environment
• Proven record of precise, responsible, and independent lab work
• Working with computer-guided laboratory equipment
Job responsibilities listed herein are intended to be a thorough representation of the duties, responsibilities, expectations, and qualifications for this specific
role at the time of hire but should not be considered all-encompassing as actual responsibilities may evolve to include additional duties as assigned based on
organizational and operational needs.
• Experience in the use of computers, data transfer, and Excel.
Skills:
• Effective communicator
• The ability to function independently as well as part of a team is critical. Excellent organizational and communication skills (both verbal and written) are essential, as is attention to detail.
This is a full-time position; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday. Salary is dependent upon education and experience. Vanderbilt offers an outstanding benefits package. Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from candidates that are members of groups underrepresented in science.
The anticipated starting time will be the summer of 2024.
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.