Research Assistant 2 - Hematology/Oncology (Lo Lab)

Research Focus

Research topics broadly fall under designing and characterizing new molecularly-targeted therapeutics for solid tumors, particularly gastrointestinal malignancies.

Department Overview

The Division of Hematology and Oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center conducts research and treats all types of adult cancers including solid tumor cancers and hematological (blood) disorders, as benign hematologic disorders such as coagulation disorders and non-cancerous blood diseases. With over 80 faculty members representing a broad range of professional expertise, our dedicated team of professionals is committed to hematologic and oncologic care through:

• Research to better understand and treat cancers and benign hematologic diseases
• Translating VICC laboratory research into therapies to help people with cancer
• State-of-the-art patient care and personalized cancer therapy
• Clinical trials, including Phase I drug development with subsequent Phase II and Phase III testing
• Training future hematology and oncology doctors and researchers
• Cancer chemotherapy, pharmacology, and biological therapy with an emphasis on solid tumors
• Treating bleeding and coagulation disorders, anemia and other disorders of blood

Responsibilities

Under moderate supervision, conduct and evaluate experiments and assays. 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. 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 in modifications as directed. Provide appropriate written documentation of experiments. Prepare preliminary research progress reports. Summarize test results appropriately.

Technical Capabilities

Our Academic Enterprise is one of the nation’s longest serving and most prestigious academic medical centers. Through its historic bond with Vanderbilt University and integral role in the School of Medicine, Vanderbilt Health cultivates distinguished research and educational programs to advance a clinical enterprise that provides compassionate and personalized care and support for millions of patients and family members each year.

Core Accountabilities

• Organizational Impact: Executes job responsibilities with the understanding of how output would affect and impact other areas related to own job area/team with occasional guidance.
• Problem Solving/Complexity of work: Analyzes moderately complex problems using technical experience and judgment.
• Breadth of Knowledge: Has expanded knowledge gained through experience within a professional area.
• Team Interaction: Provides informal guidance and support to team members.

Supporting Colleagues

• Develops Self and Others: Invests time, energy, and enthusiasm in developing self/others to help improve performance and gain knowledge in new areas.
• Buils and Maintains Relationships: Maintains regular contact with key colleagues and stakeholders using formal and informal opportunities to expand and strengthen relationships.
• Communicates Effectively: Recognizes group interactions and modifies one's own communication style to suit different situations and audiences.

Ensuring High Quality

• Serves Others with Compassion: Seeks to understand current and future needs of relevant stakeholders and customizes services to better address them.
• Solves Complex Problems: Approaches problems from different angles; Identifies new possibilities to interpret opportunities and develop concrete solutions.
• Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Provides ongoing support and coaching in a constructive manner to increase employees' effectiveness.

Managing Resources Effectively

• Demonstrates Accountability: Demonstrates a sense of ownership, focusing on and driving critical issues to closure.
• Stewards Organizational Resources: Applies understanding of the departmental work to effectively manage resources for a department/area.
• Makes Data Driven Decisions: Demonstrates strong understanding of the information or data to identify and elevate opportunities.

Fostering Innovation

• Generates New Ideas: Proactively identifies new ideas/opportunities from multiple sources or methods to improve processes beyond conventional approaches.
• Applies Technology: Demonstrates an enthusiasm for learning new technologies, tools, and procedures to address short-term challenges.
• Adapts to Change: Views difficult situations and/or problems as opportunities for improvement; actively embraces change instead of emphasizing negative elements.

Qualifications

• Relevant Work Experience: Experience Level: 2 years
• Education: Bachelor's