Research Assistant 2 - Onsite, Nashville TN

Vanderbilt Health; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt Health seeks a Research Assistant II to support the ECHO Biorepository, handling specimens, accessioning, freezer management, and data accuracy per institutional standards. This role focuses on biorepository operations without wet-lab research tasks.

The candidate will maintain SOPs, track inventory, ensure cold-chain integrity, and collaborate with research, laboratory, and operations teams to ensure timely, accurate documentation and shipment records.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a biorepository, biobank, clinical laboratory, healthcare operations environment, or other setting involving biological specimen management.
• Experience with specimen receipt, accessioning, inventory control, chain-of-custody documentation, and shipping/receiving processes.
• Working knowledge of biological sample handling, including proper labeling, cold-chain management, freeze-thaw considerations, and specimen integrity best practices.
• Experience maintaining accurate records in a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), inventory database, or other electronic tracking systems.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to quickly learn new software applications and perform accurate data entry.
• Experience with barcode scanning systems, electronic specimen tracking, and inventory reconciliation processes.
• Familiarity with ultra-low temperature freezers, liquid nitrogen storage systems, freezer alarms, temperature monitoring, and backup storage procedures.
• Knowledge of biosafety practices, including bloodborne pathogen precautions and safe handling of human biological specimens.
• Understanding of applicable regulations and best practices related to the shipment and transport of biological materials.
• Experience following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and maintaining accurate documentation in a regulated or quality-controlled environment.
• Strong attention to detail with a demonstrated ability to identify and resolve discrepancies in inventory, specimen records, and shipment documentation.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with research, laboratory, and operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Under moderate supervision, conduct and evaluate experiments and assays.
• 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.
• 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.
• Demonstrate an understanding of acceptable procedures and techniques.
• Recognize problems and suggest solutions.
• Assist in modifications as directed.
• Provide appropriate written documentation of experiments.
• Prepare preliminary research progress reports.
• Summarize test results appropriately.

Skills

Biorepository experience

Specimen handling

LIMS proficiency

Inventory control

Data entry

Cold-chain management

Barcode systems

Team collaboration

Tools

LIMS software

Inventory database

Job description

Discover Vanderbilt Health : With eight hospitals and over 180 clinics, we are the region's largest comprehensive academic health system. Vanderbilt Health has a long tradition of providing world-class care to the people of the Mid-South, living out our mission of moving medicine forward through preeminent programs in patient care, education and research. Here you'll find a spirit of collaboration and a supportive community where your expertise is valued, your knowledge expanded and your uniqueness celebrated. We are committed to fostering an environment where talented, compassionate people are united in bringing the most advanced care to our neighbors throughout the region.

Organization:

Infectious Disease - Admin 30

Job Summary:

Under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant II supports the day-to-day operations of the ECHO Biorepository by following established protocols to receive, process, track, store, and distribute biological specimens while ensuring the integrity and accuracy of associated data and inventory records. The position is responsible for maintaining biorepository operations, including specimen accessioning, freezer management, inventory reconciliation, and documentation of standard and variant results in accordance with institutional procedures and quality standards.

Please note that this position is focused exclusively on biorepository operations and does not involve wet-bench or laboratory-based research activities.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience working in a biorepository, biobank, clinical laboratory, healthcare operations environment, or other setting involving biological specimen management.
• Experience with specimen receipt, accessioning, inventory control, chain-of-custody documentation, and shipping/receiving processes.
• Working knowledge of biological sample handling, including proper labeling, cold-chain management, freeze-thaw considerations, and specimen integrity best practices.
• Experience maintaining accurate records in a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), inventory database, or other electronic tracking systems.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to quickly learn new software applications and perform accurate data entry.
• Experience with barcode scanning systems, electronic specimen tracking, and inventory reconciliation processes.
• Familiarity with ultra-low temperature freezers, liquid nitrogen storage systems, freezer alarms, temperature monitoring, and backup storage procedures.
• Knowledge of biosafety practices, including bloodborne pathogen precautions and safe handling of human biological specimens.
• Understanding of applicable regulations and best practices related to the shipment and transport of biological materials.
• Experience following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and maintaining accurate documentation in a regulated or quality-controlled environment.
• Strong attention to detail with a demonstrated ability to identify and resolve discrepancies in inventory, specimen records, and shipment documentation.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with research, laboratory, and operations teams.
• Ability and willingness to perform hands-on work that may include lifting and transporting specimen storage containers, working with dry ice and liquid nitrogen, and supporting after-hours or weekend operational needs as required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under moderate supervision, conduct and evaluate experiments and assays
• 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
• 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
• Demonstrate an understanding of acceptable procedures and techniques
• Recognize problems and suggest solutions
• Assist in modifications as directed
• Provide appropriate written documentation of experiments
• Prepare preliminary research progress reports
• Summarize test results appropriately

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

Our Academic Enterprise is one of the nation's longest serving and most prestigious academic medical centers. Through its historic bond with Vanderbilt University and integral role in the School of Medicine, Vanderbilt Health cultivates distinguished research and educational programs to advance a clinical enterprise that provides compassionate and personalized care