Research Asst I

About the role

The Research Assistant is part of the Mechanical Engineering Department in the Dong Lab at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for evaluating airway medical devices in small- and large-animal models. The Research Assistant will plan, coordinate, and execute preclinical studies that assess device performance, usability, safety, and biological response in the airway.

Responsibilities

• Develop test methods and study plans;
• Prepare devices, fixtures, and instrumentation;
• Support procedures under approved animal-use protocols and veterinary oversight;
• Acquire and analyze physiological, imaging, and device-performance data;
• Maintain complete study records;
• Communicate results to the research team.

Requirements

• Knowledge of animal-research compliance, IACUC protocols, biosafety, sterile technique, and humane study practices;
• Ability to develop clear test methods, follow controlled procedures, maintain accurate records, and troubleshoot complex experiments;
• Proficiency with data analysis and technical documentation;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, scientists, veterinarians, clinicians, students, and external partners;
• Strong organizational, time-management, critical-thinking, safety-awareness, and problem-solving skills;
• Experience with medical-device development, experimental engineering, or preclinical research;
• Experience with both small- and large-animal studies;
• Experience preparing and operating test instrumentation, sensors, imaging systems, data-acquisition hardware, and custom mechanical or mechatronic prototypes;
• Experience with airway procedures, bronchoscopy, intubation, ventilation, anesthesia monitoring, or respiratory physiology in a research or clinical environment;
• Experience in an academic research, regulated product-development, or quality-managed laboratory setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a closely related field from an accredited institution is required; a master’s degree is preferred.

Skills

• Proficiency with data analysis and technical documentation;
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, ImageJ, CAD, or equivalent engineering tools is preferred.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

Not specified.

Schedule

Not specified.