Research Assistant II

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Organization:

PMI Molecular Pathogenesis

Job Summary:

A laboratory in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology is seeking a Research Assistant II (RAII) to join our team. In this role, you’ll be a key laboratory resource—supporting day-to-day operations while contributing directly to ongoing research projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

With moderate supervision, you will set up and conduct experiments, follow established protocols, and ensure accurate documentation and reporting of results (including any unexpected or variant findings). Your work will include:

Culturing cells (eukaryotic and prokaryotic)
Performing molecular biology techniques such as transformations, DNA preparation, PCR, and sequence analysis

Expressing and purifying proteins

Performing flow cytometry

Preparing common reagents and solutions

Supporting routine maintenance of laboratory equipment

Managing inventory of reagents and supplies

Assisting with other laboratory and research activities as needed

What we’re looking forYou’ll thrive in this position if you bring strong organization, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly and work effectively as part of a dynamic research team.

Required Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience)2 years of experience in molecular biology

Preferred

Experience with plasmid preparation, cloning, DNA mutagenesis, and cultured mammalian cells

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

You’ll join the Vanderbilt Center for Antibody Therapeutics (VCAT)—recognized as one of the world’s leading centers for antibody discovery and translational research focused on disease prevention. At the intersection of immunology and virology, our work leverages computational advances to better understand antibody–antigen interactions, design immunogens, and optimize antibodies for clinical  the Georgiev laboratory, we use computational and structure-based protein design approaches to address fundamental questions in immunology and virology and to develop new vaccine and antibody product candidates targeting viruses of biomedical  this role, you will have the opportunity to work with a dynamic, interdisciplinary research team and contribute to impactful, translational science.

Schedule and location

Typical schedule is Monday–Friday, daytime hours, with flexibility in your daily start/end time as long as responsibilities are met. May be occasional weekend work but anticipated work week is 40 hours.

This is an on-site role working at VUMC Medical Research Building IV (MRB IV), 2215 Garland Ave., Nashville, TN.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under moderate supervision, conduct and evaluate experiments and assays

Understand and follow experimental protocols (may include animal handling, tissue culture, etc.)Record, compile, interpret, and communicate data/results

Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, radioactivity, toxic material, and/or carcinogens)
Perform calculations involving molarity, % solutions, and serial dilutions

Prepare, operate, and troubleshoot equipment in experimental procedures

Read and follow all equipment manuals

Maintain and repair equipment according to manufacturer and University guidelines

Ensure Laboratory is prepared for experiments

Maintain inventories

Maintain sterile conditions as required

Prepare reagents

Demonstrate an understanding of acceptable…