Research Assistant, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Vanderbilt; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Research Assistant at Vanderbilt University’s Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department contributes to day-to-day lab operations and experiments, supervising and evaluating assays of varying complexity. You will assist in preparing SOPs, operating equipment, and supporting PI-driven projects drawn from pharmaceutical, materials, and biochemical research.

Responsibilities include following safety protocols, maintaining clear documentation, and collaborating with lab personnel to ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a relevant field.
• 1–2 years lab experience preferred.
• Ability to follow complex protocols and maintain records.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct and evaluate experiments and assays.
• Prepare SOPs and ensure protocol adherence.
• Operate and troubleshoot GC-MS, LC-MS, and HPLC instruments.
• Maintain organized lab notebooks and data records.
• Assist in preparing progress reports.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Data analysis

Documentation

Mass spectrometry experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field

Tools

GC-MS

LC-MS

HPLC

PCR

Western blot

Job description

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 educationin the areas of pharmaceuticals, bioengineered materials, high strength composites andspecialty polymers, semiconductors and microelectronic devices, and a wide range of ultrapurefine chemicals. The solutions to many of the problems that we face today-e.g., energy, theenvironment, development of high- performance materials-involves chemical engineers. Theundergraduate program in chemical engineering prepares students to contribute to the solutionof these and similar problems. Graduates find meaningful careers in industry, in governmentlaboratories, and as private consultants. Some continue their education through graduatestudies in chemical engineering, business, law, or medicine.

Key Functions and Expected Performance

• Under minimal supervision, plan, conduct and evaluate experiments and assays ofvarying complexity.
• Plan and coordinate experiments in conjunction with Principal Investigator (PI) andother lab personnelo
• Prepare standard operating procedures (SOPs) involving studies of humansubjects, and ensure that SOPs are understood and followed by all studypersonnelo
• Understand and follow experimental protocols, including but not limited to thefollowing:
• Sample preparation, derivatization, and analysis by GC-MS and LC-MSo
• Sample preparation and analysis by HPLCo YSI biochemical analysis for glucose/lactate/glutamine/glutamateo
• Metabolite, protein, DNA, and RNA extractions from cells and tissueso
• PCR techniqueso
• Western blotso
• Record, compile, interpret, and communicate data/resultso
• Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, toxicmaterial, and/or carcinogens)Prepare, operate, and troubleshoot equipment in experimental procedures.o
• Recommend equipment and supplies needed for research projectso
• Read and follow all equipment manualso
• Ensure that general lab equipment (e.g., hoods, incubators, pipets) are calibratedand re-certified on a regular basisEnsure laboratory is prepared for experiments.o
• Maintain inventories of general lab supplieso
• Ensure that cell bank maintains the proper level of liquid nitrogeno
• Control and reorder gas supplies for lab equipmento
• Maintain sterile conditions as requiredo
• Prepare reagentsProvide appropriate written/oral documentation of experimentso
• Maintain an organized lab notebooko
• Prepare research progress reports or summaries as requestedo
• Analyze and summarize experimental results in spreadsheets or other electronicformats for data storage or transfer to other lab personnelo
• Use custom lab software for processing mass spectrometry dataAssist PI in modifying procedures and techniques.o
• Recognize problems and suggest solutions, assist in modificationso
• Recommend improvements to established techniques and/or protocolsAssist in the effective operation of the laboratory.o
• Maintain chemical inventory, MSDS, and biohazard compliance data for the labo Initiate and manage orders through eProcurement for the research groupo
• Other tasks as assigned

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively andfunctionally 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.

ABOUT US

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice. We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity 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.