Job Information
Vanderbilt University Senior Staff Research Scientist in Tennessee
The successful candidate will join an NIH funded research environment focusing on using innovative analytical technologies to study environmental and chemical exposure in areas of human health.
The research will focus on development and the use of discovery and targeted metabolomics and exposure compound analysis to advance scientific discoveries across various ongoing projects in the Center for Innovative Technology. The Sr. Staff Research Scientist is responsible for various aspects of projects from initial development through delivery of successful outcomes in coordination with Executive Director and team members.
The successful candidate must be committed to scientific excellence and highly collaborative research. The successful individual must have at minimum, a Masters or equivalent degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology or related fields, with at least 3-5 years of research science experience. The individual should be an expert in mass spectrometry and the application and/or development of targeted assays from animal and/or human derived biospecimens. Experience in the generation and analysis of large-scale data is essential as is a history of effectively managing collaborative projects and meeting deadlines. Experience in supervising and mentoring is important. Experience in managing a facility is preferred. The successful candidate will manage projects and collaborations through project initiation, strategy development, strategic planning, execution, and closeout of phases of projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for problem solving and making key decisions to ensure completion of multiple projects, goals, and competing priorities. A proven track record in establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships is highly desirable.
About the Center for Innovative Technology:
The Center for Innovative Technology consists of a diverse group of scientists with backgrounds in the chemical and biochemical sciences as well as other disciplines across the campus of Vanderbilt University and beyond. Our mission is to provide innovative and tailored solutions to analytical challenges using cutting-edge instrumentation and methodologies to support the academic, government and industrial sectors. Our team aims to transform human health by being a trusted leader in emerging small molecule omic approaches and setting the standard for quality research using mass spectrometry based techniques. Our team is comprised of our Director, Prof. John A. McLean, Executive Director, Prof. Stacy D. Sherrod and a dynamic team of administrators, professionals, and student trainees.
For additional details on the Center for Innovative Technology visit www.vanderbilt.edu/cit
Duties and Responsibilities (including but not limited to)
Job responsibilities listed herein are intended to be a thorough representation of the duties, responsibilities, expectations, and qualification for the 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.
Conducts advanced research experiments independently with minimal supervision in collaboration with CIT research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, research professors, associated faculty, and students.
Utilizes advanced knowledge of specific scientific protocols to analyze, interpret, and/or make deductions based on data obtained through scientific experimentation.
Utilizes a thorough understanding of specific scientific equipment in order to operate, manage, and maintain scientific equipment to ensure its operational condition to assure validity of data obtained through experimentation.
Collaborates on research projects as assigned that require novel or unique solutions involving new or emerging technology, the evaluation of alternatives and the development of experimental or design plans, making innovative as well as basic measurements, setting up advanced experimental protocols, and/or modifying equipment to obtain unique results.
Maintains accurate records of experiments and analysis performed based on specific experiments for a given project, conducts literature searches, contributes to publications, and maintains an up-to-date knowledge of all current methods of experimentation through professional reading assignments.
Writes SOPs, reports, presents data based on findings from experiments conducted for assigned projects, and contributes to grant writing and reporting.
Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contact with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as required.
Contributes to the overall success of the Center for Innovative Technology by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned, e.g., stocking reagents and consubmables and assistance with maintaining safe and clean environments, training and onboarding team members, etc.
Education and Certifications:
Education: Masters or equivalent in Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or other Applied Science is required. PhD preferred.
Experience
Experience: Three to five years of experience beyond the MS in a research lab environment is expected.
Skills:
Skills: Must be able to demonstrate state-of-the-art knowledge and skills in sample preparation in mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, and pipetting. The ability to work independently with minimal supervision on assigned research projects is required. Must be able to maintain, troubleshoot, manage, and/or repair scientific equipment. A basic knowledge of Microsoft-based computer programs including some scientific, graphic, and statistical software is required as well as proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
Other: This position is designated “sensitive” as defined by Vanderbilt University policy. This position may include job duties, responsibilities, or activities that are subject to export control regulations
To Apply:
Applicants should submit a complete CV, a cover-letter addressing the degree to which they fit the criteria outlined above along with a summary of their relevant skills, background, future career goals, prior experience, and availability to start to stacy.d.sherrod@vanderbilt.edu
Start date: We are open to candidates starting May 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.