Research Technician- Johnson Lab

Job Description

The Research Technician is part of the Carl Johnson Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt University, which conducts research on daily biological rhythms. This position will be responsible for maintaining the laboratory in compliance with University Safety Protocols and performing experiments. Responsibilities include maintaining bacterial & mammalian cell cultures and mouse colonies; performing experiments on bacteria; ordering specialty items;

making solutions & media; and conducting computerized data analyses under supervision. The position reports directly to the PI, Professor Carl Johnson.

• Run experiments/assays, analyze data, and record results under supervision or independently
• Read and follow experimental protocols
• Compile and communicate results to supervisor
• Maintain and transfer bacterial and mammalian cell cultures
• Follow university safety protocols
• Perform calculations involving molarity, % solutions, and serial dilutions
• Maintain mouse colonies
• Prepare and operate equipment such as PCR cycler, centrifuge, pH meter, spectrophotometer, autoclave, electrophoresis unit, analytical balance, etc., under supervision
• Maintain and operate equipment according to manufacturer and university guidelines
• Ensure laboratory is prepared for experiments: place orders for equipment and supplies
• Maintain sterile conditions as required
• Prepare reagents
• Clean equipment, defrost freezers/refrigerators
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness and neatness
• Other duties as required (e.g., mouse breeding under supervision)
• Present research progress reports at weekly lab meetings
• Other tasks assigned by supervisor

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field is required
• Some laboratory experience is desirable (but not required)
• Experience with bacterial cell culture and microbiological techniques is desirable (but not required)
• Experience with bioinformatics (e.g., DNA sequence analyses) is desirable (but not required)

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; it reports administratively to the departmental Administrative Manager and functionally to Dr. Carl Johnson.