Vanderbilt University Jobs

The Research Technician position provides support to the Biochemistry Department. The role will perform research and technical duties for the laboratory. The individual will work closely with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and laboratory manager in a dynamic laboratory environment. The ability to function independently, as well as part of a team, is critical. Excellent organizational and communications skills (both verbal and written) are essential, as is attention to detail.

The Vanderbilt Biochemistry research laboratory investigates the structural basis for recognition, biochemical function and biological specificity of proteins and nucleic acids. Specifically, we study systems involved in bacterial pathogenesis, cell signaling, and cancer at the molecular level. Rather than focusing on specific techniques, we take a problem-oriented approach and use whichever techniques are necessary to answer the question at hand. Often, this requires complementary application of structural approaches including spectroscopy, scattering, crystallography, and microscopy. The work unit is made up of faculty, research staff, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Assists in Research and Development:

• Researches and collects data using appropriate lab experiments, procedures, and techniques

• Primary tasks involve sub-cloning, mutagenesis, and production of DNA vectors for protein expression, large-scale bacterial overexpression and purification of proteins using FPLC and HPLC

• Writes and updates laboratory protocols

• Modifies and plans research experiments, procedures, and techniques in optimizing research design

• Synthesizes, analyzes and interprets data with minimal help

• Reports on status of research activities in oral and written formats

• Assembles and compiles research data for presentation and/or reports

Maintenance:

• Conducts lab space maintenance

• Sets up, operates, and maintains laboratory equipment including, but not limited to – centrifuges, incubated shakers, FPLC, etc.

• Proper storage and maintenance of protein stocks

• Assists with orders and maintenance of inventory and supplies

Performs administrative duties:

• Oversees and trains research and support staff on equipment operations, technical procedures, and lab maintenance

• Participate in weekly and bimonthly meetings to discuss project progress

• Other tasks as directed by supervisor

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, or related field from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary

• Knowledge and experience with microbiology, bacterial protein expression and purification is preferred

• Knowledge of chromatography instrumentation is preferred

• Knowledge and experience with PCR and cloning is preferred

• Knowledge and experience with mass spectrometry and ligation independent cloning techniques a plus

• The ideal candidate would have experience in a structural biology laboratory

• Experience with organization, inventory, and recordkeeping is preferred

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 employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

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.