Research Assistant II

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

A laboratory in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology is seeking a Research Assistant II (RAII) to join the team. In this role, you will support day-to-day laboratory operations and contribute directly to ongoing research projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Under moderate supervision, you will set up and conduct experiments, follow established protocols, and ensure accurate documentation and reporting of results.

Responsibilities

• Set up and conduct experiments, including culturing eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
• Perform molecular biology techniques such as transformations, DNA preparation, PCR, and sequence analysis
• Express and purify proteins
• Perform flow cytometry
• Prepare common reagents and solutions
• Support routine maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Manage inventory of reagents and supplies
• Record, compile, interpret, and communicate data and results
• Follow University safety protocols, including handling combustibles, radioactivity, toxic materials, and carcinogens
• Perform calculations involving molarity, percentage solutions, and serial dilutions
• Prepare, operate, and troubleshoot equipment in experimental procedures
• Maintain and repair equipment according to manufacturer and University guidelines
• Ensure the laboratory is prepared for experiments
• Maintain inventories and sterile conditions as required
• Prepare reagents and demonstrate an understanding of acceptable procedures and techniques
• Recognize problems and suggest solutions
• Assist in modifications as directed
• Provide appropriate written documentation of experiments
• Prepare preliminary research progress reports and summarize test results

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience)
• 2 years of experience in molecular biology

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with plasmid preparation, cloning, DNA mutagenesis, and cultured mammalian cells

About the department

You will join the Vanderbilt Center for Antibody Therapeutics (VCAT), recognized as one of the world’s leading centers for antibody discovery and translational research focused on disease prevention. At the intersection of immunology and virology, the Georgiev laboratory uses computational and structure-based protein design approaches to address fundamental questions in immunology and virology, developing new vaccine and antibody product candidates targeting viruses of biomedical importance.

Schedule

• Typical schedule: Monday–Friday, daytime hours, with flexibility in daily start/end times
• Occasional weekend work may be required, but the anticipated work week is 40 hours
• This is an on-site role at VUMC Medical Research Building IV (MRB IV), 2215 Garland Ave., Nashville, TN

Benefits

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