Research Technician - Term Biological Sciences - Lea Lab

Research Technician - Term Biological Sciences - Lea Lab

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A technician position is available in the Lea lab ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).), which is housed within the Department of Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt University. Research in the Lea lab sits at the intersection of evolutionary biology, genomics, and human health research. Our work focuses on the gene regulatory mechanisms that connect socioecological variation with health. Most of this work is conducted with human populations in Kenya and Malaysia, but some projects focus on model systems such as immortalized human cell lines and non‑human primates.

• Generate genomic datasets
• Extract DNA and RNA from biological samples
• Generate and QC libraries for high‑throughput sequencing (e.g., RNA‑seq, DNA‑seq, RRBS, or ATAC‑seq libraries)
• Assist with ongoing projects in the lab using massively parallel reporter assays; these protocols require mammalian cell culture, transformation, and transfection
• Maintain a detailed lab notebook

• Maintain an up‑to‑date database of laboratory protocols
• Maintain an up‑to‑date database of supply ordering
• Maintain an up‑to‑date database of biological sample storage and oversee biological sample organization
• Assist other lab members with finding, using, and returning archived biological samples to freezers

• Assist in collaborative efforts with other team members, laboratories, and/or institutions; train grad students, postdocs, and undergraduate trainees on specific protocols as needed
• Oversee daily operations with respect to equipment maintenance, ordering and supplies, safety procedures, and training
• Troubleshoot equipment and maintain as needed according to manufacturer and university guidelines
• Evaluate, negotiate, and purchase standard supplies and equipment
• Perform light administrative duties when asked, e.g., helping with permits, data and file management, or paperwork related to projects in the lab
• Other duties as assigned

• A Bachelor’s degree in biology, genetics, or a related field from an accredited institution of higher education (required)
• A minimum of 1 year of laboratory technician or other laboratory work experience (required)
• Comfortable with Microsoft Office, Google Drive apps, and other word processing or spreadsheet applications (required)
• Comfortable with learning new applications for organizing samples, orders, etc. (required)
• Extreme attention to detail and organizational abilities (required)
• Ability to function independently as well as part of a team (required)
• Ability to maintain a detailed lab notebook (required)
• Knowledge of basic aseptic technique and molecular techniques (e.g., PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis, DNA/RNA extractions) (required)
• Experience in a genomics or molecular biology laboratory (required)
• Experience with tissue culture (preferred)
• Experience with high‑throughput sequencing library preparation (preferred)

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively to the department Administrative Manager and functionally to Dr. Amanda Lea.

Entry level

Full‑time

Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

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Higher Education