Vanderbilt University Jobs

Job Description

The Dewar lab is a mid-sized lab seeking a research assistant senior who will spend most of their time on research, with some effort put towards maintaining lab infrastructure. The goal is that the research assistant would have their own independent research project within the lab and will publish papers and contribute preliminary data to grants.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under minimal supervision, contribute to lab research projects aimed at understanding biochemical mechanisms and pathways involved in DNA replication and repair. (85%)

• Use agarose gels to analyze radioactive DNA intermediates of DNA replication and repair

• Use protein gels and Western blotting to analyze proteins bound to DNA during different stages of DNA replication and repair

• Design and clone DNA templates for in vitro replication assays

• Express and purify proteins in bacteria and insect cells

• Test antibodies by immunoprecipitation and western blotting

• Establish and maintain human cell lines, and perform basic cell culture experiments

  Perform routine duties to ensure the laboratory is prepared for experiments. (5%)

• Prepare buffers and reagents.

• Order supplies

• Receive packages

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations

• Maintain an organized lab environment

  Perform routine maintenance of the lab’s frog (Xenopus laevis) colony (10%)

• Organize and maintain a healthy frog colony

• Induce egg laying by injecting frogs with hormones

• Collect eggs for lab members’ experiments

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in cellular biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.

• This position requires research experience in a biochemistry, molecular biology, or cell biology lab

• Experience working with Xenopus laevis egg extracts is necessary

• Experience handling and injecting Xenopus laevis is necessary

• Comfort working with animals is necessary.

• Ability to perform all basic calculations related to buffer composition including molarity, dilution factor, etc., is necessary.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.