Research Technician – Neuroscience & Pharmacology | Vanderbilt University

Biopractify; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative research environment

Opportunity to contribute to publications

Strong preparation for future PhD/MD applications

Access to Vanderbilt’s biomedical research ecosystem

Job summary

Vanderbilt University in Nashville is seeking a Research Technician for its Nguyen Lab focused on neuroscience research. This role involves conducting experiments, including stereotaxic surgery and electrophysiology, while working collaboratively in a research team. The ideal candidate will have a background in biology, with at least one year of lab experience, organizational skills, and basic programming knowledge preferred. This position provides a solid foundation for future PhD, MD, or MD/PhD pursuits, along with access to Vanderbilt's extensive biomedical research ecosystem.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of laboratory experience.
• Previous experience working with rodents.
• Basic programming skills (Python / MATLAB preferred).

Responsibilities

• Conduct stereotaxic surgery.
• Participate in imaging and microscopy.
• Perform electrophysiology experiments.
• Engage in behavioral pharmacology experiments.
• Maintain and manage a mouse colony.
• Prepare laboratory reagents and buffers.
• Analyze experimental data and maintain records.
• Oversee general lab operations and inventory.

Skills

Biology or related fields

Laboratory experience

Programming skills (Python / MATLAB)

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Ability to work independently

Ability to work collaboratively

Education

Biology or related fields

Job description

Research Technician – Neuroscience & Pharmacology | Vanderbilt University

Position: Research Technician
Lab: Nguyen Lab
Department: Pharmacology
Institution: Vanderbilt University
Location: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Work Mode: On-site

The Nguyen Lab at Vanderbilt University is hiring Research Technicians to join a collaborative neuroscience research team investigating the brain in both health and disease.

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking intensive laboratory experience before pursuing advanced degrees in neuroscience, medicine, pharmacology, or biomedical sciences.

About the Research

The lab studies neural function and dysfunction using interdisciplinary approaches spanning:

• Pharmacology
• Translational medicine

Research technicians will contribute to ongoing projects and gain hands‑on exposure to cutting‑edge experimental neuroscience methods.

Key Responsibilities

• Stereotaxic surgery
• Imaging and microscopy
• Electrophysiology
• Behavioral pharmacology experiments
• Mouse colony maintenance and husbandry
• Preparation of laboratory reagents and buffers
• Experimental data analysis and record keeping
• General lab operations and inventory management

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• Biology or related fields

Preferred qualifications include:

• At least 1 year of laboratory experience
• Previous experience working with rodents
• Basic programming skills (Python / MATLAB preferred)
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Why Join?

• Work in a highly collaborative research environment
• Opportunity to contribute to publications
• Strong preparation for future PhD, MD, or MD/PhD applications
• Access to Vanderbilt’s world‑class biomedical research ecosystem