Research Assistant 1 – Translational Oncology

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Nashville, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under moderate supervision, this individual is expected to set up, conduct investigations and support clinical translational research projects/studies in the Holowatyj Laboratory and Team. The Research Assistant is expected to follow protocols, including biospecimen processing, handling, storage; and standard operating procedures, appropriate recording of scientific data and results, as well as all regulations for human subjects research. This Research Assistant position will also assist in other laboratory and clinical study functions, including daily research operations. This individual will be expected to support study conduct and procedures, as well as support biospecimen processing, storage, management, and experimentation in the laboratory as related to ongoing clinical trial initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Computer Sciences, Biochemistry or another relevant scientific discipline (or equivalent experience)
Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, team player, and demonstrated research laboratory skills
Prior wet lab experience

Nice To Haves

Clinical research experience in oncology setting
Experience with and proficiency using REDCap EDC software
Coding experience

Responsibilities

Conveys a basic knowledge and understanding of policies, procedures, and regulations governing human subjects research and incorporates them in the conduct of laboratory research
Exhibits the capability to understand and follow a clinical/translational study protocol, obtaining training and seeking assistance when needed, to safely and accurately perform or assess required protocol procedures. Uses coordination skills and works collaboratively with other staff and departments/institutions to complete research protocols, including performing study procedures
Ensures Laboratory is consistently prepared for biospecimen processing and experimentation in a timely manner
Under moderate supervision, supports the research team through biospecimen receipt, processing, storage, and tracking within the Holowatyj Lab Biorepository
Supports Holowatyj Laboratory Biorepository and databases with awareness and attention to the requirements for accuracy, completeness and timeliness. Takes initiative and attends to query resolution in a timely manner
Performs ongoing checks of biospecimen data that has been entered into the Biorepository database and supports expansion of the Biorepository and other databases through instrument creation/development
Handles all sample kit preparations and related tasks in the Holowatyj Lab per standard operating procedures
Coordinates with all institutional and external partners for the procurement and transport of biospecimens/tissues for the Lab’s ongoing clinical trials and collaborative efforts
Assists with receipt and organization of metadata from VUMC cores or external institutions for storage within the Holowatyj Lab, in accordance with appropriate privacy guidelines and regulations, maintaining appropriate documentation and confidentiality
Under moderate supervision, conducts and evaluates experiments/assays for research as they are described in standard operating protocols in the lab, adhering to all scientific practices and maintaining appropriate written documentation of experiments
Exhibits competence with regard to laboratory bench skills/processes (e.g., manual pipetting, DNA extraction protocols, PCR/RT-qPCR, solution preparation, and cell culture) under sterile conditions
Prepares, maintains, operates and troubleshoots equipment in experimental procedures
Records/organizes data from source documentation with awareness and attention to the requirements for accuracy, completeness and timeliness. Attends to query resolution in a timely manner. Assures research information is collected and stored in a manner that is compliant with regulations/policies and good clinical practice
Assists the Principal Investigator in the development of Laboratory/data protocols and scientific tasks as needed; Coordinates activities and gathers information from a variety of sources to achieve Laboratory goals and outcomes
Collaboratively participates in study team meetings, maintaining open and positive communications with all individuals and interactions
Recognizes problems and suggest solutions, assisting in modifications as directed; actively identifies and participates in training, education, and development activities to improve own knowledge and performance to sustain and enhance professional development. Pursues avenues to continue education (i.e., in-services, seminars, etc.)
Demonstrates initiative for continuous learning, both self-directed and as evidenced by attendance of educational and professional development opportunities. Actively seek new learning opportunities, seeing learning as part of work
Follows all institutional safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, radioactivity, toxic material, and/or carcinogens)