Research Asst 1

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Nashville, TN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Our laboratory in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology seeks a curious, motivated and diligent Research Assistant I or II to work on patient-based immunology projects. The Markle lab seeks to understand genetic drivers of immunological diseases by identifying rare gene variants in affected children and studying how they impact the immune system. This is a research lab-based position that will involve both performing experimental work at the bench and also supporting other lab members with their projects. We offer a dynamic and collaborative research environment, have opportunities for authorship and presentation of your work, and support diversity in science. You will receive lots of mentorship and will gain skills applicable across many fields of science and medicine. Recent graduates with some relevant lab experience are encouraged to apply. This position will work on site at Vanderbilt Medical Center North located on 21st Ave. in Nashville, TN and will work Monday-Friday, standard daytime business hours. The Markle Lab is interested in understanding genetic determinants of immunity. Our studies are patient-based, and we focus on children with severe immune-mediated diseases. Our lab uses human whole exome and whole genome sequencing to discover monogenic (e.g. single gene) inborn errors of immunity in children with rare infectious, autoimmune, or auto-inflammatory diseases. We use a customized bioinformatic pipeline to sift through large genetic datasets to pinpoint candidate gene variants. Then, we study the impact of these variants on the expression and function of the encoded proteins. We aim to thoroughly characterize the functional impact of each variant at the molecular and cellular levels, and to this end we use both classical and cutting-edge techniques in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, in vitro cell culture approaches, and mass cytometry using patient leukocytes. Current projects include: inflammasome-activating mutations, mutations affecting cytokine receptors, novel candidate genes for intestinal inflammation, inflammatory skin diseases, and characterizing the microbiota of patients with monogenic immune diseases. Our group uses both ‘dry-lab’ (computational) and wide variety of ‘wet-lab’ approaches and our interests lie at the crossroads of human genetics, human immunology, and host-microbe interactions.

Requirements

BSc in microbiology/immunology, biochemistry, genetics, cell biology or similar area
organized, reliable, attention to detail
strong communication skills
willingness to learn a variety of techniques at the bench

Nice To Haves

experience with some of the following techniques: DNA extraction, PCR, cloning, sterile cell culture, flow cytometry, western blotting, ELISA, fluorescent or confocal microscopy.
commit to a minimum of 2 years of full-time employment.

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.