Research Assistant Biological Science (Nordman Lab)

Position Summary:

This Research Assistant position will be part of the Nordman Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt University and is a key research position responsible for supporting the research organization and day-to-day operations in the laboratory.

The Nordman lab is accepting applications for a Research Assistant to join our group. The Nordman laboratory uses biochemical genetic cell biological genomic and proteomic approaches to study metazoan genome duplication and maintenance. The successful applicant will be responsible for supporting the research organization and day-to-day operations in the laboratory. The successful applicant must be self-motivated extremely well organized and able to communicate clearly. Applicants with college level courses in genetics and biochemistry will be strongly preferred. We expect applicants to have at least one year of experience working in a lab or company that focuses on molecular biology.

About the Work Unit:

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.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Performing independent research and supporting the research of others: After an initial training period we expect the applicant will be able to work autonomously to drive the research mission of the lab. Additionally we expect the applicant to be highly collaborative while working as part of the team.

• Ordering and receiving laboratory supplies: the applicant will be expected to be highly organized and detail oriented to help organize and manage the day-to-day operation of the lab.

• Maintain and organize Drosophila stocks: our lab depends on the proper organization and maintenance of our Drosophila cultures.

• Prepare Drosophila culture medium and other laboratory stocks: we expect an analytical and detail-oriented approach to prepare these vital reagents for our laboratory.

• Independently perform molecular cloning projects Western blotting and protein purification.

• Provide appropriate written documentation of experiments.

• Prepare preliminary research progress reports.

• Summarize test results appropriately.

• Coordinate receipt / shipping of fungal cultures according to state federal and international guidelines.

• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; This position reports functionally to the Principal Investigator and administratively to the Administrative Manager.

Qualifications:

• This position requires a Bachelors degree in the fields of Biology Biochemistry Molecular Biology or related area.

• Prior experience performing laboratory research is necessary.

• Experience working with Drosophila is highly preferred.

• Ability to work with others in a mutually respectful environment that values honesty integrity and accountability is necessary