Research Assistant - Autoimmune disease research, Vanderbilt Division of Rheumatology and Immunology
Job: Research
Primary Location: TN-Nashville-Medical Center North (MCN)
Organization: Rheumatology and Immunology
Shift: First Shift
Description
JOB SUMMARY:
Provide, under direct supervision, support for specified autoimmune-disease focused research projects; collect, assess, and communicate data/results. Specific tasks will involve working with mice, isolating mouse tissues and cells, PCR, ELISA, RNA isolation, cell culture, and flow cytometry. Assist in general laboratory operation and inventory. Individuals with a background in biology or chemistry-related discipline are preferred.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Under supervision (and after skill mastery, increasing independence), run experiments, assays, and record results
- Read and follow experimental protocols (e.g., mouse tissue isolation/processing, PCR, ELISA, RNA isolation, cell culture, flow cytometry)
- Compile and communicate results to supervisor
- Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, toxic material, carcinogens, radioactive material, and/or human-derived materials)
- Perform calculations involving molarity, % solutions, and serial dilutions
- Prepare and operate equipment in experimental procedures
- May include centrifuge, pH meter, spectrophotometer, autoclave, gel electrophoresis, analytical balance, biosafety cabinet (tissue culture hood), etc.
- Maintain equipment according to manufacturer and university guidelines
- Ensure Laboratory is prepared for experiments
- Maintain inventories
- Maintain sterile conditions as required
- Prepare reagents
- Clean equipment as needed
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent experience) and 0-5 years experience. Individuals with degree in chemistry, biology, or related discipline preferred.