Research Assistant 2 - Onsite, Nashville TN

Vanderbilt University Medical Center; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt Health is seeking a Research Assistant II to support the ECHO Biorepository, focusing on receipt, processing, storage, and distribution of biological specimens while maintaining data and inventory accuracy. The role emphasizes safety, SOP adherence, and quality standards in a busy academic health environment.

Responsibilities include specimen accessioning, freezer management, and documentation of results, with collaboration across research, laboratory, and operations teams.

Qualifications

• Experience in a biorepository, biobank, clinical laboratory, healthcare operations environment, or 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 labeling, cold-chain management, freeze-thaw considerations, and specimen integrity best practices.
• Experience maintaining records in a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or inventory database.
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn new software; familiarity with barcode systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain biorepository operations including accessioning, freezer management, inventory reconciliation.
• Follow established protocols to receive, process, track, store, and distribute specimens.
• Document results and maintain accurate inventory records per SOPs and quality standards.
• Ensure biosafety practices and regulatory compliance in handling human specimens.
• Collaborate with research, laboratory, and operations teams; support after-hours or weekend needs as required.

Education

Bachelor's degree

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.

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 and support for millions of patients and family members each year. World-leading academic departments and comprehensive centers of excellence pursue scientific discoveries and transformational educational and clinical advances across the entire spectrum of health and disease. Aligning with Vanderbilt Health’s Strategic Directions, the Office of Research provides shared research resources, administrative expertise and professional guidance to enable the trans-disciplinary environment and highly collaborative culture that advances discovery and training for all the research faculty, trainees, students and staff.

Position Qualifications

Responsibilities: Certifications : Work Experience : Relevant Work Experience Experience Level : 2 years Education : Bachelor's

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.

Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.

We employ more than 43,000 people who work in inpatient and outpatient clinical care, research and graduate medical education. Our employees also serve in critical supporting roles in administration, information technology and informatics, finance, legal and community affairs, communications and marketing, fundraising, groundskeeping and facilities, and many other departments.

Vanderbilt University Hospital

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital

Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital

Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital

Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital

Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital

Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital

Vanderbilt Health is the Mid-South's largest provider of specialty care, with hundreds of outpatient clinic and surgical locations throughout the region, and Tennessee’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for adults and children. We are one of the nation's busiest critical care centers, home to Middle Tennessee’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and Burn Center for adults and children, and Middle Tennessee’s only Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. We are the nation’s largest transplant center, and last year we performed the most heart transplants than any center worldwide. Vanderbilt Health is an epicenter for biomedical research, winning over $1 billion in annual research awards from government, industry, foundations and donors. We are also a national leader in medical training and education, with the largest clinical training center in the Mid-South and the only training center in Tennessee for many adult and pediatric specialties. We’re honored to be consistently considered among the nation’s best hospitals for quality, safety and patient satisfaction. Three of our hospitals — Vanderbilt University Hospital, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital and Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital — have been awarded a Five-Star Quality Rating from Medicare. We support each other and encourage excellence among every member of our workforce. High-achieving employees stay at Vanderbilt Health for professional growth opportunities, competitive compensation and benefits, and a sense of community and purpose. Join us in advancing health care.

Our Vision

The world leader in advancing personalized health

Our Mission

Personalizing the patient experience through our caring spirit and distinctive capabilities