Research Assistant

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

20d

About The Position

The Research Assistant will work closely with personnel from the Davies and Doran labs and support laboratory research through protein expression, cell culture, animal studies, sample processing, and routine molecular and cellular biology assays. The role 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 is a term staff appointment established for a defined period based on operational needs. The appointment runs from November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2027. The position is full-time at 40 hours per week. Work will generally take place during standard weekday hours, although occasional evening or weekend work may be needed for experiments, animal procedures, or time-sensitive sample collection. Animal-related activities require completion of applicable training and must follow Vanderbilt University policies and approved Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee protocols.

Requirements

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 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.
Ability to work 40 hours per week, with occasional evening or weekend work as project requirements demand.
Completion of required training and compliance with applicable policies and approved protocols before conducting animal-related activities.

Nice To Haves

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.

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 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.