Research Assistant 1 - ON SITE

About the role

Join the Patrick Laboratory to investigate how post-transcriptional regulation shapes macrophage immune function. The lab studies how RNA-binding proteins and spliceosome components operate during pathogen sensing and innate immune activation using immunology, RNA biology, molecular genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics. The position is located on site at Vanderbilt Medical Center North (5th floor, A wing) with a primary Monday–Friday daytime schedule and flexibility for hours.

Responsibilities

• Run experiments, assays, and record results under supervision
• Read and follow experimental protocols (may include animal handling and tissue culture)
• Compile and communicate results to supervisor
• Follow University safety protocols (may include combustibles, radioactivity, toxic materials, and/or carcinogens)
• Perform calculations involving molarity, % solutions, and serial dilutions
• Prepare and operate equipment such as blood gas analyzer, centrifuge, pH meter, spectrophotometer, autoclave, scintillation counter, electrophoresis unit, and analytical balance
• Maintain and repair equipment per manufacturer and university guidelines
• Prepare the laboratory for experiments, maintain inventories, maintain sterile conditions, prepare reagents, and clean equipment

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience)
• Foundational molecular biology skills including cloning, RNA isolation, RT-qPCR, and Western blot analysis
• Hands-on experience with mammalian tissue culture (required)
• Clear and professional communication in writing and conversation
• Comfort taking initiative while thriving in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research team

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior research laboratory experience