Research Assistant

Vanderbilt is a renowned private institution founded in 1873 located a little more than a mile from downtown Nashville, TN. The university’s students, faculty, staff and visitors frequently cite Nashville as one of the perks of Vanderbilt. VU is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded and your abilities challenged. It is a place where your diversity is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt was recently ranked #1 in the Princeton Review among 382 top colleges and universities for “happiest students” - as well as #2 for “best quality of life” and “great financial aid,” #5 for “best run colleges” and “beautiful campus,” and #6 for both being in a “college city that students love” and having “great campus/city relations.” The position is in the laboratory of Kathy DelGiorno for a technician performing molecular biology analyses supporting multiple projects. This position will set up and conduct experiments, and implement long-term research projects following protocols including the appropriate recording and reporting of data. This position will assist in other laboratory and research functions and work closely with post-docs and students as part of the DelGiorno Lab team. Reporting directly to Dr. DelGiorno, the position is highly collaborative and requires excellent teamwork. **About the Work Unit:** Dr. DelGiorno’s Laboratory studies the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. **Key Functions and Expected Performance:** - Independently or as part of a team, run experiments, assays, and record results - Conduct scientific experiments for multiple research projects within the DelGiorno Lab - Read and follow experimental protocols (includes animal handling, assays, husbandry, etc.) - Compile and communicate results to supervisor and team - Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, radioactivity, and/or toxic material) - Prepare and operate equipment in experimental procedures - May include, centrifuge, pH meter, spectrophotometer, autoclave, electrophoresis unit, analytical balance, etc. - Ensure laboratory is prepared for experiments - Maintain inventories - Maintain sterile conditions as required - Prepare reagents - Clean equipment - Prepare reagents and materials - Perform general husbandry tasks such as genotyping and delivering treatments - Perform routine molecular biology approaches (qPCR, Western blot, ELISAs) - Work closely as a team with DelGiorno Lab personnel to ensure cohesion and success of long-term experiments **Supervisory Relationships:** This position does not have supervisory responsibility but is highly collaborative by nature; this position reports administratively and functionally to Dr. DelGiorno. **Education and Certifications:** - This position requires a BA or BS degree. **Experience and Skills:** - Experience with animal handling and/or husbandry is preferred but not required. - Experience with general laboratory techniques is required. - Excellent communications skills and good teamwork is required. ### About the Company At **[Vanderbilt University](http://www.vanderbilt.edu)** , 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](https://www.nashville.gov/), Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and [arboretum](https://www.vanderbilt.edu/trees/) 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 t…