Research Assistant, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Vanderbilt University; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University’s Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department seeks a Research Assistant to support day-to-day operations and experiments, supervise and evaluate experiments, and operate laboratory equipment. The role involves planning experiments with the PI, preparing SOPs, following detailed protocols for GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC analyses, and maintaining safety and lab inventory.

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related fields required; 1–2 years lab experience

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of laboratory research experience preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain high quality and safety standards.
• Ability to understand and follow complex, detailed technical instructions.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced research setting.
• Ability to analyze and interpret scientific data.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate experiments with the PI and lab personnel.
• Prepare SOPs involving studies and ensure compliance by staff.
• Follow experimental protocols for GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC analyses and related techniques.
• Maintain lab equipment calibration and inventories.
• Provide written/oral documentation of experiments and summaries.
• Assist in preparing reagents and maintaining sterile conditions as required.
• Support the operation and effective functioning of the laboratory.

Skills

Lab experience

Organization

Learning mindset

Motivation & initiative

Quality & safety

Follow complex instructions

Research protocols

Data analysis

Mass spectrometry

HPLC

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering

Tools

GC-MS

LC-MS

HPLC

PCR instruments

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

• 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
  • 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)
• 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
• Prepare, operate, and troubleshoot equipment in experimental procedures
• 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.