Research Assistant 2 - Clinical Pharmacology

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center:  Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness 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’s mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.

Organization:

Clinical Pharmacology and Gene

Job Summary:

Under moderate supervision, set up, conduct experiments, and continue research projects following protocols including the appropriate recording of data and reporting of standard or variant results. Assist in other laboratory and research functions.

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DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

The Division of Genetic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology is a robust and dynamic division, innovating across its research and clinical missions to integrate genome variation and function to better define biological mechanisms of human disease.  

A leader in personalized medicine, the division aims to understand how basic molecular, biochemical and cellular processes are altered in various pathological conditions, seeking to identify novel therapeutic interventions for human diseases. 

The division is closely tied to the Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, which leads the nation in mapping the complex interactions between our genome and human health.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree + 2 YOE (required)

• Experience working with mice (required)

• Experience with PCR and Western Blotting (preferred)

• Experience in cell culture (ideally hiPSC-CM) (preferred)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Under moderate supervision, conduct and evaluate experiments and assays
• Understand and follow experimental protocols (may include animal handling, tissue culture, etc.)
• Record, compile, interpret, and communicate data/results
• Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, radioactivity, toxic material, and/or carcinogens)
• Perform calculations involving molarity, % solutions, and serial dilutions
• Prepare, operate and troubleshoot equipment in experimental procedures
• Read and follow all equipment manuals
• Maintain and repair equipment according to manufacturer and University guidelines
• Ensure Laboratory is prepared for experiments
• Maintain inventories
• Maintain sterile conditions as required
• Prepare reagents
• Demonstrate an understanding of acceptable procedures and techniques
• Recognize problems and suggest solutions
• Assist in modifications as directed
• Provide appropriate written documentation of experiments
• Prepare preliminary research progress reports
• Summarize test results appropriately

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

Our Academic Enterprise is one of the nation’s longest serving and most prestigious academic medical centers. Through its historic bond with Vanderbilt University and integral role in the School of Medicine, Vanderbilt Health cultivates distinguished research and educational programs to advance a clinical enterprise that provides compassionate and personalized care and support for millions of patients and family members each year.

World-leading academic departments and comprehensive centers of excellence pursue scientific discoveries and transformational educational and clinical advances across the entire spectrum of health and disease.

Aligning with Vanderbilt Health’s Strategic Directions, the Office of Research provides shared research