Temporary - Research (part-time) Tate Lab

Job Description:

The Tate lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt University is seeking a motivated and conscientious Research Assistant Temporary Part-Time position to perform laboratory tasks and experiments related to the ecology and evolution of infection and immunity. Basic laboratory skills and excellent record keeping habits are necessary. Reporting directly to the Principal Investigator, the RA will collaborate with other lab members to pursue the scientific goals of the laboratory.

The primary responsibilities for this position include performing experiments, taking care of invertebrate organisms, and supporting day-to-day laboratory maintenance, inventory, and operations, including frequent communication with other lab members. The candidate should be capable of performing tasks and protocols with minimal supervision after receiving training, and should be willing to troubleshoot failed procedures, including consultation of the primary literature. The candidate will be expected to attend laboratory meetings and be a scientifically engaged and collaborative member of the lab, including assisting with training and experimental support to other lab members and collaborating on manuscript preparation. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

The Tate lab is a dynamic group of students, postdoctoral fellows, and staff interested in the ecology and evolution of immune systems and infectious diseases. The group is highly collaborative, and values frequent communication, feedback, and respect among lab members. The Tate lab is part of the Department of Biological Sciences, which 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.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

1. Under minimal supervision, run experiments, assays, and record results (85% time)
   • Read and follow experimental protocols (May include handling of animals and microbes and nucleic acid handling, etc.) 
   • Recognize problems and work with supervisor to come up with solutions
   • Collaborate with PI and other lab members to design and execute experiments
   • Compile and communicate results to supervisor 
   • Perform statistical analysis of data
   • Assist in the production of figures and manuscript writing
   • Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, toxic material, and/or carcinogenics)
   • Perform calculations necessary for serial dilutions, media preparation, and sample handling
2. Ensure smooth and effective laboratory operations (15% time)
   • Make common lab reagents and solutions as required 
   • Maintain invertebrate organism stocks and experimental populations
   • Assist with training and experimental logistics for other lab members 
   • Communicate frequently with other lab members
   • Help the PI to ensure all safety codes and documentation in the lab are up to date according to University guidelines
3. Other duties as assigned. 

Education and Certifications:

• A B.S. or B.A. degree in biology or a related field is necessary.

• At least two years of experience in a research lab or a research-oriented Master’s degree is required. record-keeping

• Working knowledge of Python is strongly preferred. 

• Knowledge of basic laboratory practices and techniques, as obtained through undergraduate study or other research experience, is required.

• Previous experience working with insects OR basic molecular biology techniques (e.g. nucleic acid extraction, PCR) is required. 

day-to-day

Supervisory Relationships:
The RA will be responsible for monitoring day to day technical practices of students in the lab and mentoring un