Research Assistant, Chemical and Bimolecular Engineering

Vanderbilt University; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University seeks a Research Assistant in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering to support day-to-day operations and experiments. You will supervise and conduct assays, prepare and troubleshoot equipment, and assist in data analysis under PI supervision.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or engineering and 1–2 years of lab experience. Strong organizational skills and a proactive attitude are essential for success in this fast-paced lab.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related fields is necessary.
• 1–2 years of laboratory research experience preferred.
• Ability to follow complex, detailed technical instructions and SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct, and evaluate experiments and assays of varying complexity.
• Prepare, operate, and troubleshoot equipment in experimental procedures.
• Record, interpret, and communicate data/results clearly.
• Maintain inventories and ensure safety and lab compliance.
• Assist in writing SOPs and progress reports as requested.

Skills

Lab research experience

Organizational skills

Initiative & motivation

Willingness to learn

Ability to follow complex instructions

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related fields

Tools

GC-MS

LC-MS

HPLC

Mass spectrometry

Laboratory software

Job description

The Research Assistant is part of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Vanderbilt University and is a key contributor responsible for day to day operations and experiments. The position will supervise, conduct and evaluate experiments and assays of varying complexity; prepare, operate, and troubleshoot equipment in experimental procedures; and assist in the effective operation of the laboratory.

About the Work Unit:

The Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department is involved in research and education in the areas of pharmaceuticals, bioengineered materials, high strength composites and specialty polymers, semiconductors and microelectronic devices, and a wide range of ultrapure fine chemicals. The solutions to many of the problems that we face today—e.g., energy, the environment, development of high- performance materials—involves chemical engineers. The undergraduate program in chemical engineering prepares students to contribute to the solution of these and similar problems. Graduates find meaningful careers in industry, in government laboratories, and as private consultants. Some continue their education through graduate studies in chemical engineering, business, law, or medicine.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Under minimal supervision, plan, conduct and evaluate experiments and assays of varying complexity.

• Plan and coordinate experiments in conjunction with Principal Investigator (PI) and other lab personnel
• Prepare standard operating procedures (SOPs) involving studies of human subjects, and ensure that SOPs are understood and followed by all study personnel
• Understand and follow experimental protocols, including but not limited to the following:
  • Sample preparation, derivatization, and analysis by GC-MS and LC-MS
  • Sample preparation and analysis by HPLC
  • YSI biochemical analysis for glucose/lactate/glutamine/glutamate
  • Metabolite, protein, DNA, and RNA extractions from cells and tissues
  • PCR techniques
  • Western blots
• Record, compile, interpret, and communicate data/results
• Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, toxic material, and/or carcinogens)

Prepare, operate, and troubleshoot equipment in experimental procedures.

• Recommend equipment and supplies needed for research projects
• Read and follow all equipment manuals
• Ensure that general lab equipment (e.g., hoods, incubators, pipets) are calibrated and re-certified on a regular basis

Ensure laboratory is prepared for experiments.

• Maintain inventories of general lab supplies
• Ensure that cell bank maintains the proper level of liquid nitrogen
• Control and reorder gas supplies for lab equipment
• Maintain sterile conditions as required
• Prepare reagents

Provide appropriate written/oral documentation of experiments

• Maintain an organized lab notebook
• Prepare research progress reports or summaries as requested
• Analyze and summarize experimental results in spreadsheets or other electronic formats for data storage or transfer to other lab personnel
• Use custom lab software for processing mass spectrometry data

Assist PI in modifying procedures and techniques.

• Recognize problems and suggest solutions, assist in modifications
• Recommend improvements to established techniques and/or protocols

Assist in the effective operation of the laboratory.

• Maintain chemical inventory, MSDS, and biohazard compliance data for the lab
• Initiate and manage orders through eProcurement for the research group
• Other tasks as assigned

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Professor.

Education and Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related fields is necessary.

Experience and Skills:

• 1-2 years of experience in laboratory research is preferred.
• Ability to maintain a high level of organization is necessary.
• A desire to learn, especially outside of one's comfort zone, is necessary.
• A high level of motivation and initiative is necessary.
• Ability to maintain quality and safety standards is necessary.
• Ability to understand and follow complex, detailed technical instructions is necessary.
• Ability to understand and follow basic research protocols and procedures is necessary.
• Ability to develop scientific research protocols and procedures is strongly preferred.
• Ability to analyze and interpret scientific data is strongly preferred.
• Computer and database skills are preferred.
• Experience in cell culture and molecular biology is preferred.
• Experience in mass spectrometry and biochemical analysis is preferred.