Research Assistant (Term), Electrical and Computer Engineering

The SYMBIO-X Laboratory in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Vanderbilt University is seeking a full-time Research Assistant to support ongoing research in electrochemical biosensing, surface modification chemistry, and multimodal wearable sensor development.

The Research Assistant (Term) will contribute to the preparation, testing, and characterization of electrochemical sensing platforms—including pH and ion-selective electrodes, redox-based sensors, and cytokine-sensing interfaces—and assist with integrating these sensors into next-generation wearable and implantable bioelectronic systems.

This role involves hands-on laboratory work, careful documentation, data analysis, and regular collaboration with researchers across engineering and medical departments. The term position is full-time (40 hours/week), with an initial appointment through HR as a Research Assistant and may be renewed based on performance and funding.

NOTE: A Term position is a staff position that exists for a period longer than six months but is not expected to last beyond one year. Although a position may exist for a specified or indefinite period, staff who accept term positions are not guaranteed employment for the entire period; they are employed for indefinite periods within the limit of the appointment. There are no guarantees of continued employment, either within the term or when the term ends.

The SYMBIO-X Lab (Symbiotic Bioelectronics & Robotics Interfaces) develops multimodal wearable and implantable sensors, electrochemical interfaces, mechanoacoustic platforms, and AI-enabled health monitoring systems.

The lab collaborates closely with the Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery and Engineering (VISE), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), and multiple engineering departments. Research areas include:

• Bioelectronic sensing (electrochemical, mechanoacoustic, optical)
• Surface chemistry, electrode functionalization, and biointerface engineering
• Flexible, soft, and skin-interfaced electronics
• Closed-loop health monitoring and digital-twin modeling
• Physiological state tracking and sensor-enabled human–robot interaction

The work environment is collaborative, interdisciplinary, and supported by state-of-the-art research facilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare and modify electrode surfaces, coatings, and ion-selective membranes.
• Perform electrochemical measurements (e.g., CV, EIS, chronoamperometry, potentiometry) and assist with sensor characterization.
• Support integration of sensors into flexible, wearable, or implantable device platforms.
• Conduct experiments following established protocols and maintain clear, accurate lab records.
• Analyze data using common software tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, Origin) and help generate figures and summaries.
• Assist with reagent preparation, equipment upkeep, and chemical inventory.
• Work collaboratively with graduate students, postdocs, and clinical/engineering partners; provide basic guidance to undergraduate trainees.

Supervisory Relationships: This position does not have formal supervisory authority but may train or mentor junior researchers. The Research Scientist will report directly to Dr. Yayun Du, Assistant Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a bachelors degree is required. A Master’s or Ph.D. degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Prior laboratory experience in electrochemistry, materials, or related experimental work is required.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and as part of a team is required.
• Hands-on experience with electrochemical characterization (CV, EIS, amperometry, potentiometry) is required.
• Experience with electrode surface modification, functionalization, or nanomaterial coatings is required.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and conduct experiments is required.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools (MATLAB, Python, Origin or similar) is preferred.

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 Bes