Research Assistant

Job Title

Technician for Molecular Biology Analyses

The position is in the laboratory of Kathy Del Giorno for a technician performing molecular biology analyses supporting multiple projects.

This position will set up and conduct experiments, and implement long-term research projects following protocols including the appropriate recording and reporting of data. This position will assist in other laboratory and research functions and work closely with post-docs and students as part of the Del Giorno Lab team. Reporting directly to Dr. Del Giorno, the position is highly collaborative and requires excellent teamwork.

Dr. Del Giorno's Laboratory studies the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Independently or as part of a team, run experiments, assays, and record results
  • Conduct scientific experiments for multiple research projects within the Del Giorno Lab
  • Read and follow experimental protocols (includes animal handling, assays, husbandry, etc.)
  • Compile and communicate results to supervisor and team
  • Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, radioactivity, and/or toxic material)
• Prepare and operate equipment in experimental procedures
  • May include, centrifuge, pH meter, spectrophotometer, autoclave, electrophoresis unit, analytical balance, etc.
• Ensure laboratory is prepared for experiments
  • Maintain inventories
  • Maintain sterile conditions as required
  • Prepare reagents
  • Clean equipment
  • Prepare reagents and materials
• Perform general husbandry tasks such as genotyping and delivering treatments
• Perform routine molecular biology approaches (qPCR, Western blot, ELISAs)
• Work closely as a team with Del Giorno Lab personnel to ensure cohesion and success of long-term experiments

Supervisory Relationships :

This position does not have supervisory responsibility but is highly collaborative by nature; this position reports administratively and functionally to Dr. Del Giorno.

Education and

Certifications:

• This position requires a BA or BS degree.

Experience and Skills :

• Experience with animal handling and/or husbandry is preferred but not required.
• Experience with general laboratory techniques is required.
• Excellent communications skills and good teamwork is required.

• Contract Compliance - VU
• Data Capture - VU
• Experimentation - VU
• Quality Control - VU
• Quantitative Research - VU
• Regulatory Compliance - VU
• Report Writing - VU
• Research Ethics - VU
• Research Funding - VU
• Research Methodologies - VU

At Vanderbilt University, our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running.

We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

• Job Identification
• Posting Date 06/30/2026, 07:14 PM
• Locations Nashville, TN, United States (On-site)
• Job Schedule Full time
• Job Category Research
• Job Function Core Research and Laboratory
• Management Level Service & Support 2