Research Assistant 1

## Research Assistant 1

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Nashville, TN:
Full time:
Posted Today:
R-66993
** Discover Vanderbilt Health**:
With eight hospitals and over 180 clinics, we are the region’s largest comprehensive academic health system. Vanderbilt Health has a long tradition of providing world-class care to the people of the Mid-South, living out our mission of moving medicine forward through preeminent programs in patient care, education and research. Here you’ll find a spirit of collaboration and a supportive community where your expertise is valued, your knowledge expanded and your uniqueness celebrated.

We are committed to fostering an environment where talented, compassionate people are united in bringing the most advanced care to our neighbors throughout the region.
** Organization:
** Section Surgical Research
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* Job Summary:

** JOB SUMMARY  A Research Assistant 1 position is available in the Department of Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) to support the laboratory of Dr. Robb Flynn. Under direct supervision, this individual will support a broad portfolio of translational and clinical research spanning metabolic disease, obesity, and diabetes. The role is intentionally structured as an entry-level position on a defined path toward becoming a Clinical Study Coordinator: the successful candidate will contribute to day-to-day laboratory operations and clinical sample handling while progressively taking on clinical study organization and implementation responsibilities.

Training and mentorship will be provided to develop the regulatory, coordination, and specimen-management skills required to advance within the clinical research career ladder..
** Key Responsibilities – Laboratory & Specimen Support
*** Under supervision, conduct and record experiments and assays in support of ongoing lab activities.
* Read, understand, and follow experimental protocols (may include tissue culture and specimen handling).
* Perform ordering and purchasing of laboratory reagents, consumables, and supplies; maintain inventories.
* Prepare reagents and perform calculations involving molarity, percent solutions, and serial dilutions.
* Perform clinical sample preparation and processing (blood, serum, urine), including aliquoting, labeling, and storage.
* Perform tissue sample preparation and processing, including handling of muscle biopsy and other tissue specimens for downstream analyses.
* Retrieve, transport, and process clinical and tissue specimens from the operating rooms and clinical areas, maintaining chain-of-custody and biorepository logs.
* Prepare, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory equipment according to manufacturer and University guidelines; ensure the lab is prepared for experiments.
* Follow all University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, toxic materials, and/or carcinogens); training in blood borne pathogens and operating-room access procedures will be provided.
* Compile, interpret, and communicate data and results; provide written documentation and preliminary progress reports.
** Key Responsibilities – Clinical Study Organization (Coordinator Track)
** With training and increasing independence, the Research Assistant 1 will support the organization and implementation of clinical studies, building the foundational skills of a Clinical Study Coordinator:
* Complete CITI, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and human-subjects research training (provided).
* Assist, under supervision, with preparation and processing of IRB submissions, amendments, continuing reviews, and adverse-event reports.
* Support participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, and coordination of study visits.
* Enter and manage study data using REDCap and the Epic/eStar research environment, with attention…