Research Assistant 3 - ON SITE

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Organization:

PMI Molecular Pathogenesis

Job Summary:

The Georgiev laboratory seeks qualified applicants for a Research Assistant III (RAIII) role. The ideal candidate will function as a laboratory resource and make essential contributions by culturing cells (both eukaryotic & prokaryotic), performing molecular biology (e.g., transformations, DNA preparation, PCR, sequence analysis, etc.), expressing and purifying proteins, performing phage display, performing flow cytometry, performing ELISA, preparing common reagents, performing routine maintenance of lab equipment, inventorying reagents and supplies, and carrying out other duties as necessitated. The successful candidate will under minimal supervision, set up, conduct experiments, and contribute to research projects following protocols including the appropriate recording of data and reporting of standard or variant results. The RAIII will also assist in other laboratory and research functions. Exceptional organizational skills, verbal communication, written communication, attention to detail, and the ability to function as part of a dynamic research team are required. Previous experience with plasmid preparation, cloning, DNA mutagenesis, phage display library construction and screening, ELISA, and culturing and transfecting mammalian cells is preferred.

REQUIRED:
- Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent experience)
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience

This position will work on site at Vanderbilt Medical Center North located at 1211 21st Ave. S. in Nashville, TN and will work Monday-Friday, traditional daytime business hours.

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DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

The Vanderbilt Center for Antibody Therapeutics (VCAT) is recognized as one of the leading centers in the world with broad expertise in basic and clinical discovery related to understanding and optimizing disease prevention through antibody discovery. At the interface of immunology and virology, recent computational advances have allowed us to better understand the interactions between antibodies and antigen, to design immunogens capable of eliciting target antibody specificities, and to optimize antibodies as clinical products. Research efforts in the Georgiev laboratory aim to utilize the power of computation to increase our understanding of fundamental questions in immunology and virology and to develop novel ways of using this understanding to fight diseases. For the translational component of our research, we apply structure-based protein design approaches to the development of new vaccine and antibody product candidates against a number of viruses of biomedical interest

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES •

• Under minimal supervision, plan, conduct and evaluate experiments and assays of varying complexity
• 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

• Recommend equipment and supplies needed for research projects
• 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

• Assist PI in modifying procedures and techniques
• Recognize problems and suggest solutions, assist in modifications

• Recommend improvements to established techniques and/or protocols

• Maintain personal knowledge of scientific trends through literature reviews, attendance at meetings, conferences and seminars
• Provide appropriate written/oral documentation of experiments
• Prepare research progress reports
• Analyze and summarize test resul