Vanderbilt University

Job Description

The Nordman lab is currently excited to announce that we are accepting applications for a Research Assistant to join our group. The Nordman laboratory uses biochemical, genetic, cell biological, genomic and proteomic approaches to study metazoan genome duplication and maintenance. The successful applicant will be responsible for supporting the research, organization and day-to-day operations in the laboratory. The successful applicant must be self-motivated, extremely well organized and able to communicate clearly. Applicants with college level courses in genetics and biochemistry will be strongly preferred. We expect applicants to have at least one year of experience working in a lab or company that focuses on molecular biology.

The Nordman lab is a young and vibrant team dedicated to understanding fundamental biological process in a collaborative environment. This position would be a wonderful opportunity for recent graduates looking to gain valuable research experience prior to pursuing a graduate degree. We will, however, consider highly motivated applicants of all levels.

The Department of Biological Sciences has an excellent staff to facilitate issue resolution involving personnel, financial management, supply and equipment orders proposal submission, and infrastructure. The faculty in the department carry out diverse research projects and often collaborate with other members within the department and in nearby departments. This department covers a broad spectrum of biology, from molecules and cells to tissues and organisms to populations and ecosystems. Award-winning faculty and graduate students teach and carry out research in Biochemistry, Structural Biology and Biophysics, Cell Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Computational Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, Developmental Biology, and Neurobiology.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performing independent research and supporting the research of others: After an initial training period, we expect the applicant will be able to work autonomously to drive the research mission of the lab. Additionally, we expect the applicant to be highly collaborative while working as part of the team.
• Ordering and receiving laboratory supplies: The applicant will be expected to be highly organized and detail oriented to help organize and manage the day-to-day operation of the lab.
• Maintain and organize Drosophila stocks: Our lab depends on the proper organization and maintenance of our Drosophila cultures.
• Prepare Drosophila culture medium and other laboratory stocks: We expect an analytical and detail-oriented approach to prepare these vital reagents for our laboratory.
• Independently perform molecular cloning projects, Western blotting and protein purification.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in the fields of Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related area.
• Prior experience performing laboratory research is necessary.
• At least one year of experience with general molecular biology techniques (PCR, Western blotting, etc.) with proteins is necessary.
• Experience working with Drosophila is highly preferred.
• Ability to work with others in a mutually respectful environment that values honesty, integrity and accountability is necessary.

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; This position reports functionally to the Principle Investigator and administratively to the Administrative Manager.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

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.