Basic Scientist Assistant I - The Center for Asthma Research

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Nashville, TN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Asthma Research is seeking an exceptional and motivated Scientific Laboratory Director to join our dynamic clinical-translational research team dedicated to advancing discoveries in maternal-child health and asthma prevention. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in cutting-edge research aimed at improving lives and shaping the future of asthma prevention and treatment. As a Scientific Laboratory Director, you will oversee the day-to-day operations of a collaborative and fast-paced laboratory, supervising a team of 1-2 research assistants, and ensuring the smooth execution of biospecimen processing, testing, storage, tracking, aliquoting, and shipping. In addition, it is the expectation that the Director will develop new scientific directions of the laboratory, including in vitro experiments using airway epithelial cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, to include in vitro infection. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational and leadership skills, a passion for advancing scientific knowledge, and the ability to foster productive relationships with collaborators across the United States and with international collaborators.

Requirements

Doctoral degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field, and the relevant laboratory experience noted above.
Minimum of 5+ years of experience in a research or clinical laboratory setting, with prior supervisory experience strongly preferred.
Demonstrated expertise in biospecimen processing and testing; experience with laboratory organization and oversight; experience with overseeing personnel.
Familiarity with human airway epithelial cell culture and in vitro experiments
Strong organizational, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
Proven leadership abilities with a collaborative and positive management style.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact effectively with internal and external collaborators.
Passion for advancing science and contributing to impactful research in maternal-child health and asthma prevention.

Nice To Haves

Experience with or ability to develop assays for RSV serology is preferred.
Experience with in vitro infection of airway epithelial cells with respiratory syncytial virus is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide oversight and leadership to a team of 1-2 research assistants, ensuring efficient workflow, adherence to protocols, and maintenance of a positive and productive laboratory environment.
Support the Center’s mission to advance its scientific agenda by contributing to innovative research projects and fostering a culture of inquiry and discovery.
Conduct and oversee processing of maternal-child human samples, ensuring high-quality, reproducible results while adhering to rigorous scientific standards.
Perform biospecimen testing and specialized assays to support research objectives, contributing to publications and presentations.
Work with human airway epithelial cells (required experience) and PBMCs to advance translational research goals.
This position will be the professional face of our wet laboratory and requires building and maintaining effective partnerships with collaborators across the U.S., facilitating data sharing, research alignment, and communication between multidisciplinary teams.
Maintain accurate lab records, coordinate inventory management, complete annual compliance and training reporting, perform annual staff assessments of research assistant(s), develop lab-focused grant budgets and prepare reports for regulatory and scientific purposes.
Work effectively in a team-oriented environment, promoting collaboration, mentorship, and mutual respect among lab members.