Research Assistant 1 - Bacchetta - ON SITE

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Organization:

Section Surgical Research

Job Summary:

In the role of Research Assistant, you will support assigned research projects under direct supervision by collecting, evaluating, and communicating data and results. Responsibilities include maintaining inventory, assisting with surgical procedure setup, handling and processing tissue specimens, and managing lab setup and breakdown to ensure a smooth and organized workflow. This role also involves working with large animal models (sheep and pigs) in support of research activities and procedural studies.

Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience)

Preferred Qualifications
Histology experience
Experience with assays such as ELISA and/or PCR

Experience working with animal models, particularly large animals (preferred)
This position is on-site at Vanderbilt Medical Center North (1211 21st Ave. N., Nashville, TN). Standard hours are Monday–Friday, daytime business hours; however, flexibility is essential based on research and operational needs.

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DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Welcome to the Laboratory for Organ Regeneration, Recovery, and Replacement (LOR3) at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

The LOR3, directed by Matthew Bacchetta, MD, MBA, is focused on creating organ support systems that provide extended physiologic support for injured organs, bioengineering platforms for organ recovery and regeneration, and developing artificial cardiopulmonary assist systems. Our group is the first to develop a large pre-clinical cross-circulation platform for extracorporeal support of human lungs rejected for transplantation. We have also recently established a high-fidelity, titratable large pre-clinical model for pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure, a large pre-clinical platform that serves as a basis for developing the next-generation, durable mechanical support technology. Our work has been published in leading academic medical, scientific, and engineering journals, and also featured in major news outlets including The New York Times.  

For more information, please visit https://www.vumc.org/cardiacsurgerydept/laboratory-organ-regeneration-recovery-and-replacement-lor3.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Under supervision, run experiments, assays, and record results
• Read and follow experimental protocols (May include animal handling, tissue culture, etc.)
• Compile and communicate results to supervisor
• Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, radioactivity, toxic material, and/or carcinogenics)
• Perform calculations involving molarity, % solutions, and serial dilutions
• Prepare and operate equipment in experimental procedures
• May include blood gas analyzer, centrifuge, pH meter, spectrophotometer, autoclave, scintillation counter, electrophoresis unit, analytical balance, etc.
• 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
• Clean equipment.

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 depar