Research Technician

Vanderbilt University; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University in Nashville seeks a laboratory research professional for a term position spanning Nov 2026 to Oct 2027. The role emphasizes independence with collaboration across Davies and Doran labs, performing protein expression experiments and maintaining mammalian cell cultures under sterile conditions.

You will handle mouse and human primary cells, generate macrophages, assist with in vivo studies, and ensure meticulous record-keeping, safety, and compliance while contributing to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related field.
• Experience with lab mice and mammalian cell culture.
• Ability to follow detailed protocols and maintain records.
• Strong organization and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and on a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform protein expression experiments and analysis.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures with sterile technique.
• Culture and handle mouse and human primary cells, including macrophages.
• Generate bone marrow-derived macrophages from mice.
• Assist with in vivo mouse studies per approved protocols.
• Handle mice and perform injections and gavage after training.
• Collect, dissect, and isolate tissues for analyses.
• Process samples, including cells, tissues, protein preparations.
• Conduct routine molecular and cellular biology assays.
• Maintain lab records, inventories, and documentation.
• Prepare reagents, buffers, media.
• Operate and maintain equipment.
• Follow biosafety and lab compliance.
• Contribute to data collection and reports.
• Assist with ordering supplies and lab cleanliness.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Lab experience

Mammalian cell culture

Aseptic technique

Record-keeping

Independent work

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Job description

Job Description

This position requires strong organizational skills, careful attention to experimental detail, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with laboratory personnel and research teams. This position will work closely with personnel from both the Davies and Doran labs.

This position is a term position. A term position is a staff appointment established for a defined period of time based on the operational needs of the business unit and Vanderbilt University, generally expected to exceed six months but not extend beyond one year.

Start Date: November 1, 2026

End Date: October 31, 2027

Key Responsibilities

• Perform protein expression experiments, including preparation, optimization, and analysis of recombinant proteins.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures using appropriate sterile technique.
• Culture and handle mouse and human primary cells, including macrophages.
• Generate bone marrow-derived macrophages from mice.
• Assist with in vivo mouse studies in accordance with approved experimental protocols.
• Handle mice and perform procedures such as intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections and oral gavage after appropriate training and authorization.
• Collect, dissect, and isolate tissues from mice for downstream analyses.
• Process biological samples, including cells, tissues, and protein preparations.
• Perform routine molecular and cellular biology assays as required by the research project.
• Maintain accurate and timely laboratory records, sample inventories, and experimental documentation.
• Prepare reagents, buffers, and culture media.
• Operate, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Follow institutional, federal, and laboratory-specific requirements for biosafety, animal care, and research compliance.
• Contribute to data collection, interpretation, laboratory meetings, and preparation of reports, presentations, and research materials.
• Assist with ordering supplies and maintaining a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
• Previous laboratory research experience including experience working with laboratory mice and with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and follow detailed protocols.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with primary mouse or human cells, particularly macrophages.
• Experience with protein expression and related biochemical techniques.
• Familiarity with mouse procedures such as intraperitoneal injection, oral gavage, and tissue collection.
• Experience with molecular biology, immunology, flow cytometry, microscopy, or protein analysis techniques.

Work Schedule and Expectations

This is a full-time position requiring 40 hours per week. Although the regular schedule will generally occur during standard weekday working hours, some experiments may require flexibility, including occasional evening or weekend work, to accommodate cell culture schedules, animal procedures, time-sensitive sample collection, or other project requirements.

All animal-related activities will be conducted only after completion of required training and in accordance with Vanderbilt University policies and approved Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee protocols.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We value diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from candidates with varied backgrounds and experiences.