Research Assistant 3 - ON SITE

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) operates at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care. It is a community where expertise is valued, knowledge is expanded, and abilities are challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and uniqueness is celebrated.

About the Role

The Georgiev laboratory seeks a qualified Research Assistant III (RAIII) to function as a laboratory resource and make essential contributions to research projects. This position will work on-site at Vanderbilt Medical Center North in Nashville, TN, Monday through Friday during traditional daytime business hours.

Responsibilities

• Culture cells (both eukaryotic and prokaryotic).
• Perform molecular biology techniques (e.g., transformations, DNA preparation, PCR, sequence analysis).
• Express and purify proteins.
• Perform phage display, flow cytometry, and ELISA.
• Prepare common reagents and perform routine maintenance of lab equipment.
• Inventory reagents and supplies.
• Set up, conduct, and evaluate experiments of varying complexity under minimal supervision.
• Follow experimental protocols, including animal handling and tissue culture.
• Record, compile, interpret, and communicate data/results.
• Follow University safety protocols (e.g., use of combustibles, radioactivity, toxic materials, carcinogens).
• Perform calculations involving molarity, % solutions, and serial dilutions.
• Prepare, operate, and troubleshoot equipment; recommend equipment and supplies for research projects.
• Maintain and repair equipment according to manufacturer and University guidelines.
• Ensure laboratory readiness for experiments and maintain sterile conditions as required.
• Prepare reagents and assist the Principal Investigator (PI) in modifying procedures and techniques.
• Recognize problems, suggest solutions, and assist in modifications to improve techniques/protocols.
• Maintain personal knowledge of scientific trends through literature reviews, meetings, conferences, and seminars.
• Provide written/oral documentation of experiments and prepare research progress reports.
• Analyze and summarize test results; prepare and present data as required.
• Assist in the effective operation of the laboratory.
• Train other employees and supervise projects/personnel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.
• Exceptional organizational skills, verbal and written communication, attention to detail, and ability to function as part of a dynamic research team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with plasmid preparation, cloning, DNA mutagenesis.
• Experience with phage display library construction and screening.
• Experience with ELISA and culturing/transfecting mammalian cells.

About the Department

The Vanderbilt Center for Antibody Therapeutics (VCAT) is a leading center in basic and clinical discovery related to antibody-based disease prevention. The Georgiev laboratory focuses on computational approaches to understand fundamental questions in immunology and virology, applying structure-based protein design to develop new vaccine and antibody product candidates against viruses of biomedical interest.

Core Accountabilities

• Organizational Impact: Independently delivers objectives with an understanding of their impact on related teams.
• Problem Solving: Analyzes complex problems using multiple data sources; may propose new perspectives on existing solutions.
• Breadth of Knowledge: Advanced knowledge in a professional area with basic knowledge across related areas.
• Team Interaction: Acts as a resource for colleagues; may lead small project teams.
• Supporting Colleagues: Invests in self/others to improve performance and knowledge; builds and maintains relationships; communicates effectively.
• Delivering Excellent Services: Understands stakeholder needs; solves complex problems; provides ongoing support and coaching.
• Ensuring High Quality: Engages in dialogue about quality; addresses issues promptly; applies learning to improve processes.
• Managing Resources Effectively: Demonstrates accountability; stewards organizational resources; makes data-driven decisions.
• Fostering Innovation: Generates new ideas; embraces technology and adapts to change.

Benefits

This role offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include health, disability, retirement, and/or wellness offerings to enhance well-being and professional growth.