Research Technician - Term Biological Sciences - Lea Lab at Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN

Research Technician – Term Biological Sciences – Lea Lab, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. A technician position is available in the Lea Lab within the Department of Biological Sciences. Research in this lab sits at the intersection of evolutionary biology, genomics, and human health research. The work focuses on gene‑regulatory mechanisms that connect socioecological variation with health. Most studies involve human populations in Kenya and Malaysia, while some projects use model systems such as immortalized human cell lines and non‑human primates.

The technician’s duties include performing basic molecular biology laboratory techniques such as DNA and RNA extraction, library preparation for high‑throughput sequencing, cell culture, transfection, and transformation. The technician will also be responsible for overseeing day‑to‑day logistics in the wet lab, including purchasing, sample and supply organization, shipping and receiving, maintaining adequate supplies and equipment, communicating laboratory protocols, policies, and safety guidelines, and supporting trainees on ongoing research projects.

• 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 using massively parallel reporter assays; these protocols require mammalian cell culture, transformation, and transfection
• Maintain a detailed lab notebook

• Maintain a detailed and up‑to‑date database of laboratory protocols
• Maintain a detailed and up‑to‑date database of supply ordering
• Maintain a detailed and 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, for example 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‑throughout sequencing library preparation (preferred)

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

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.