Research Assistant 1 - ON SITE

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Nashville, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Join the Patrick Laboratory at Vanderbilt Health, where you will explore how post-transcriptional regulation shapes macrophage immune function. The research focuses on understanding the roles of RNA-binding proteins and spliceosome components during pathogen sensing and innate immune activation. Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach including immunology, RNA biology, molecular genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics, this role contributes to uncovering how macrophages generate rapid, robust, and precisely regulated immune responses.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience)
Foundational molecular biology skills, including: Cloning, RNA isolation, RT-qPCR, Western blot analysis
Hands-on experience with mammalian tissue culture (required)
Communicate clearly and professionally—both in writing and in conversation
Comfortable taking initiative while also thriving as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary research team

Nice To Haves

Prior research laboratory experience

Responsibilities

Under supervision, run experiments, assays, and record results
Read and follow experimental protocols (May include animal handling, tissue culture, etc.)
Compile and communicate results to supervisor
Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, radioactivity, toxic material, and/or carcinogenics)
Perform calculations involving molarity, % solutions, and serial dilutions
Prepare and operate equipment in experimental procedures
May include blood gas analyzer, centrifuge, pH meter, spectrophotometer, autoclave, scintillation counter, electrophoresis unit, analytical balance, etc.
Maintain and repair equipment according to manufacturer and university guidelines.
Ensure Laboratory is prepared for experiments
Maintain inventories
Maintain sterile conditions as required
Prepare reagents
Clean equipment