Research Assistant

About the role

This position requires strong organizational skills, careful attention to experimental detail, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with laboratory personnel and research teams. The role involves close collaboration with personnel from both the Davies and Doran labs.

Position details

This is a term position — a staff appointment established for a defined period based on operational needs, generally expected to exceed six months but not extend beyond one year. Start date: November 1, 2026. End date: October 31, 2027.

Responsibilities

• Perform protein expression experiments, including preparation, optimization, and analysis of recombinant proteins.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures using appropriate sterile technique.
• Culture and handle mouse and human primary cells, including macrophages.
• Generate bone marrow-derived macrophages from mice.
• Assist with in vivo mouse studies in accordance with approved experimental protocols.
• Handle mice and perform procedures such as intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections and oral gavage after appropriate training and authorization.
• Collect, dissect, and isolate tissues from mice for downstream analyses.
• Process biological samples, including cells, tissues, and protein preparations.
• Perform routine molecular and cellular biology assays as required by the research project.
• Maintain accurate and timely laboratory records, sample inventories, and experimental documentation.
• Prepare reagents, buffers, and culture media.
• Operate, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Follow institutional, federal, and laboratory-specific requirements for biosafety, animal care, and research compliance.
• Contribute to data collection, interpretation, laboratory meetings, and preparation of reports, presentations, and research materials.
• Assist with ordering supplies and maintaining a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
• Previous laboratory research experience including experience working with laboratory mice and with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and follow detailed protocols.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with primary mouse or human cells, particularly macrophages.
• Experience with protein expression and related biochemical techniques.
• Familiarity with mouse procedures such as intraperitoneal injection, oral gavage, and tissue collection.
• Experience with molecular biology, immunology, flow cytometry, microscopy, or protein analysis techniques.

Work schedule and expectations

This is a full-time position requiring 40 hours per week. Although the regular schedule will generally occur during standard weekday working hours, some experiments may require flexibility, including occasional evening or weekend work, to accommodate cell culture schedules, animal procedures, time-sensitive sample collection, or other project requirements. All animal-related activities will be conducted only after completion of required training and in accordance with Vanderbilt University policies and approved Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee protocols.