Research Technician, Term Biological Sciences (McMahon) Lab

Job Description

Neurobiology lab is seeking motivated Research Technician to support ongoing NIH-funded research in a diverse and energetic lab environment. Experience with general lab procedures and documentation is preferred. Skills in CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis and cell culture desirable. The Research Technician is part of the McMahon laboratory in the Department of Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt University and is an integral member of our research team responsible for maintaining laboratory supplies and an orderly laboratory environment preparation of reagents and providing research support for laboratory personnel. This position requires attention to detail accuracy in reagent preparation good analytical organizational and communication skills. Reporting directly to Dr. Doug McMahon the principle investigator the Research Technician will work with other laboratory members to apply cellular molecular genetic and behavioral approaches to understanding fundamental mechanisms of circadian photoperiod influence on depression and motivated behaviors (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Perturbations in circadian clock function and sleep contribute to a number of human diseases including neuropsychiatric disorders metabolic disease and obesity and cancer.

The Department of Biological Sciences 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.

The position is full-time and is a term position with renewal contingent on funding and performance

Duties and Responsibilities
Cell culture of cell lines with circadian reporter genes for studying molecular circadian rhythms
DNA/RNA/protein extraction and quantification
Gene expression assays by qRT-PCR
CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis
Tissue culture of brain slices or dispersed brain cells
Fluorescence and bioluminescence microscopy and use of ImageJ to quantify imaging data.
Preparation of laboratory stocks buffer reagents and media
Ordering reagents through the university procurement system
Cleaning of laboratory glassware and reusable plasticware
Adherence to University safety protocols
Maintenance of laboratory equipment
Maintenance of laboratory stocks and inventory
Presentation of research at laboratory meetings
Maintenance of electronic records and hard copies of data
Assistance with training of new laboratory members as skillset advances.
Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
A Bachelors degree with a major in Biological Sciences Neuroscience Chemistry or related discipline
Attention to detail is required
Accuracy in reagent preparation is required
Analytical organizational and communication skills are required
Ability to work on a collaborative team is required
Previous experience working in a lab is preferred

Supervisory Relationships
This position may have supervisory responsibility as skills develop and new researchers join the laboratory. This position reports functionally to Dr. Doug McMahon and administratively to the departmental Administrative Manager.