Research Technician

Vanderbilt University • Nashville, TN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Cell and Developmental Biology is a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment for cutting-edge research spanning from single molecules to whole organisms. By focusing on the spatiotemporal organization of molecules, cells, and tissues in many laboratories within our department, we seek insights into fundamental biological questions and human disease. We are an interactive and highly collaborative department, with a strong graduate student association, outstanding core facilities, a top-ranked developmental biology program, and exceptionally strong faculty. Recent faculty recruits are studying single-molecule analysis of signaling, computational biology of different cell types, organs, and organisms, stem cell biology, and the regulation of plasma membrane composition and aging. The Research Technician position is part of the research group of Dr. Guoqiang Gu in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine. This Research Technician will be responsible for conducting basic research on diabetes. Reporting directly to, and under the supervision of, Dr. Gu and lab manager Ruiying Hu, the Research Technician is expected to perform basic procedures in cell/RNA preparation, tissue fixation/sectioning/antibody staining, imaging, gene expression analysis, and physiological studies primarily in islet culture and mouse models. The specific roles of this position include, but are not limited to: mouse handling, cell preparation from dissected tissues, RNA preparation, computational analysis of gene expression using ImageJ. This Research Technician is also expected to help with mouse colony management, tissue collection, tissue fixation, sectioning, and immunostaining. The candidate who fills this position is expected to accurately observe, record, and then report the findings to Dr. Gu and/or Manager Hu. Motivations to move up to a higher level of more independent projects are also expected.

Requirements

• BA/BS or equivalent degree in biology is necessary.
• Basic familiarity with biological specimen handling and processing is needed.
• Basic computer skills to use common word/imaging programs is needed.

Nice To Haves

• Specific experience working with mice is strongly preferred.
• The ability to use “R” for gene expression analysis is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Mouse colony management, including cross setup and genotyping.
• Tissue collection and sectioning, followed by immuno-staining and imaging.
• Islet picking and preparation of single-cell suspension.
• RNA and DNA preparation from tissues/cells.
• Basic gene expression analyses using immunofluorescence images with Image J.
• Collaboration with different personnel in the laboratory according to different daily needs.
• Accurately observe, record, and report findings.
• Perform basic procedures in cell/RNA preparation, tissue fixation/sectioning/antibody staining, imaging, gene expression analysis, and physiological studies primarily in islet culture and mouse models.
• Help with mouse colony management, tissue collection, tissue fixation, sectioning, and immunostaining.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees