Basic Staff Scientist I

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Organization:

Neurology Admin 20

Job Summary:

The Vanderbilt ALS Research Center is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Basic Staff Scientist to support and lead advanced translational research studies focused on ALS and related neurodegenerative diseases. This position is ideal for a candidate with substantial laboratory experience who is capable of independently managing complex experimental workflows, mentoring trainees, and contributing to the scientific and operational leadership of the laboratory.

The successful candidate will play a central role in the execution and coordination of molecular and cellular biology studies using patient-derived biospecimens and advanced cellular models, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). This position offers the opportunity to work within a highly collaborative interdisciplinary research environment that values rigor, innovation, mentorship, and open science.

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Key Responsibilities

·         Independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and optimize complex molecular and cellular biology experiments.

·         Lead and maintain advanced cell culture workflows, including iPSC culture, differentiation, maintenance, quality control, and downstream experimental applications.

·         Perform and oversee microscopy-based experiments, including immunofluorescence staining, imaging acquisition, and image-based data analysis.

·         Manage and coordinate day-to-day laboratory activities related to assigned projects, ensuring experimental rigor, reproducibility, and timely completion of studies.

·         Train, supervise, and mentor undergraduate students, graduate students, technicians, and junior laboratory personnel in laboratory techniques and best practices.

·         Maintain detailed experimental records and contribute to data analysis, interpretation, troubleshooting, and protocol optimization.

·         Assist with biospecimen processing, molecular assays, and experimental workflows involving patient-derived tissues, biofluids, and cellular models.

·         Contribute to manuscript preparation, figure generation, laboratory organization, and collaborative research efforts across multidisciplinary teams.

Required Qualifications

·         Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.

·         Extensive hands-on experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques.

·         Demonstrated expertise in mammalian cell culture, including complex cell-based experimental systems.

·         Required experience with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture and maintenance.

·         Required experience with microscopy techniques, including immunofluorescence imaging and image acquisition.

·         Ability to independently execute and troubleshoot complex experimental protocols.

·         Experience training or mentoring students and junior personnel in a laboratory environment.

·         Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications

·         PhD in Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline.

·         Prior experience in ALS, neurodegeneration, stem cell biology, or translational biomedical research.

·         Experience with advanced imaging analysis software and quantitative microscopy approaches.

·         Familiarity with molecular assays including