Research Assistant II

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Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated.

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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.

• 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
• 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 procedures and techniques
• Recognize problems and suggest solutions
• Assist in modifications as directed
• Provide appropriate written documentation of experiments
• Prepare preliminary research progress reports
• Summarize test results appropriately

What we’re looking for: You'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

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

Location:

On‑site role working at VUMC Medical Research Building IV (MRB IV), 2215 Garland Ave., Nashville, TN.

Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.