Research Assistant - Part Time

Vanderbilt; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University seeks a part-time Lab Assistant in the Biomedical Engineering SMILE Lab to manage operational, regulatory, and administrative tasks for the lab's research portfolio. You will coordinate meetings, prepare IRB materials, support participant recruitment, and oversee grant and data documentation, working closely with the PI and lab members.

The role emphasizes organization, proactive multitasking, and communication as you help drive multiple studies while preparing for

Qualifications

• 1-2 years minimum experience in research coordination, clinical research, project management, or a related administrative role.
• Experience with IRB submissions, amendments, and regulatory compliance is strongly preferred.
• An ability to manage budgets, track expenditures, and prepare financial and fiscal documentation is required.

Responsibilities

• Organizes and coordinates lab and center meetings, including scheduling, preparing agendas, taking minutes, and following up on action items
• Provides day-to-day project management support across multiple concurrent research studies, tracking timelines, milestones, and deliverables
• Prepares, submits, and maintains IRB applications, amendments, and continuing reviews to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance
• Coordinates research participant recruitment, screening, and scheduling in accordance with approved study protocols
• Prepares and organizes grant documents, including progress reports, subaward materials, and submission packages
• Manages fiscal aspects of lab accounts, including monitoring expenditures, reconciling accounts, and preparing financial summaries
• Assists with budgeting and budget projections for current and proposed research projects
• Manages research data, including organization, quality control, and secure storage in accordance with data management plans
• Coordinates communication with collaborators, sponsors, and external partners on behalf of the lab
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the operational and research goals of the lab

Skills

Research coordination

IRB submissions

Budget management

Data management

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Summary:The Lab Assistant role is part of the Biomedical Engineering work unit within the VanderbiltUniversity School of Engineering. This part-time position, with potential to increase to full-timelater, supports the SMILE Lab, directed by Dr. Ruogu Fang, by managing the operational,regulatory, and administrative functions of the lab's research portfolio. The candidate will workclosely with the principal investigator and lab members to coordinate meetings, prepare andmaintain IRB applications, support research participant recruitment, and manage grant, fiscal,and data documentation. The position requires strong organizational and communication skills,close attention to detail, and a proactive approach to managing multiple concurrent projects anddeadlines.

About the Work Unit

The Department of Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt is unique among biomedicalengineering programs in its immediate proximity to the world class Vanderbilt Medical Center,located on our compact campus. Our School of Medicine is among the top ten in funding fromthe National Institutes of Health and includes a National Cancer Institute-recognizedComprehensive Cancer Center, a major children's hospital and a Level I trauma center. Thisproximity and the strong relationships among faculty across multiple schools stimulate highimpact research and provide unique educational and research opportunities for students.

Key Functions and Expected Performance

• Organizes and coordinates lab and center meetings, including scheduling, preparingagendas, taking minutes, and following up on action items


• Provides day-to-day project management support across multiple concurrent researchstudies, tracking timelines, milestones, and deliverables


• Prepares, submits, and maintains IRB applications, amendments, and continuing reviewsto ensure ongoing regulatory compliance


• Coordinates research participant recruitment, screening, and scheduling in accordancewith approved study protocols


• Prepares and organizes grant documents, including progress reports, subawardmaterials, and submission packages


• Manages fiscal aspects of lab accounts, including monitoring expenditures, reconcilingaccounts, and preparing financial summaries


• Assists with budgeting and budget projections for current and proposed research projects


• Manages research data, including organization, quality control, and secure storage inaccordance with data management plans


• Coordinates communication with collaborators, sponsors, and external partners on behalfof the lab


• Performs other duties as assigned to support the operational and research goals of thelab

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibility. This position reports administratively andfunctionally to the Professor.

Education and Certifications

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary. Degrees in Public Health, Health Administration, Business Administration, BiomedicalEngineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related fields are preferred.

Experience and Skills

• A professional attitude, high level of motivation, initiative and good work ethic is required.


• 1-2 years minimum experience in research coordination, clinical research, projectmanagement, or a related administrative role.


• Experience with IRB submissions, amendments, and regulatory compliance is stronglypreferred.


• An ability to manage budgets, track expenditures, and prepare financial and fiscaldocumentation is required.


• Strong organizational skills and an ability to manage multiple concurrent projects anddeadlines are required.


• Higher education experience is strongly preferred.


• An ability to work independently with a high level of self-motivation is preferred.


• An ability to learn new skills quickly is preferred.


• Adaptability to ever changing projects and people is preferred.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, experience with research participantrecruitment, and proficiency with data management tools and standard office software(Microsoft Office, Excel) are strongly 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.

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.