Research Assistant - Part Time

Position Summary:

The Lab Assistant role is part of the Biomedical Engineering work unit within the Vanderbilt
University School of Engineering. This part‑time position, with potential to increase to full‑time
later, supports the SMILE Lab, directed by Dr. Ruogu Fang, by managing the operational,
regulatory, and administrative functions of the lab's research portfolio. The candidate will work
closely with the principal investigator and lab members to coordinate meetings, prepare and
maintain IRB applications, support research participant recruitment, and manage grant, fiscal,
and data documentation. The position requires strong organizational and communication skills,
close attention to detail, and a proactive approach to managing multiple concurrent projects and
deadlines.

About the Work Unit:
The Department of Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt is unique among biomedical
engineering programs in its immediate proximity to the world class Vanderbilt Medical Center,
located on our compact campus. Our School of Medicine is among the top ten in funding from
the National Institutes of Health and includes a National Cancer Institute‑recognized
Comprehensive Cancer Center, a major children’s hospital and a Level I trauma center. This
proximity and the strong relationships among faculty across multiple schools stimulate high
impact research and provide unique educational and research opportunities for students.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Organizes and coordinates lab and center meetings, including scheduling, preparing
agendas, taking minutes, and following up on action items
Provides day‑to‑day project management support across multiple concurrent research
studies, tracking timelines, milestones, and deliverables
Prepares, submits, and maintains IRB applications, amendments, and continuing reviews
to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance
Coordinates research participant recruitment, screening, and scheduling in accordance
with approved study protocols
Prepares and organizes grant documents, including progress reports, subaward
materials, and submission packages

Manages fiscal aspects of lab accounts, including monitoring expenditures, reconciling
accounts, and preparing financial summaries
Assists with budgeting and budget projections for current and proposed research projects
Manages research data, including organization, quality control, and secure storage in
accordance with data management plans
Coordinates communication with collaborators, sponsors, and external partners on behalf
of the lab
Performs other duties as assigned to support the operational and research goals of the
lab

Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility. This position reports administratively and
functionally to the Professor.

Education and Certifications
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
Degrees in Public Health, Health Administration, Business Administration, Biomedical
Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related fields are preferred.

Experience and Skills:

A professional attitude, high level of motivation, initiative and good work ethic is required.
1-2 years minimum experience in research coordination, clinical research, project
management, or a related administrative role.

Experience with IRB submissions, amendments, and regulatory compliance is strongly
preferred.
An ability to manage budgets, track expenditures, and prepare financial and fiscal
documentation is required.
Strong organizational skills and an ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and
deadlines are required.
Higher education experience is strongly preferred.
An ability to work independently with a high level of self‑motivation is preferred.
An ability to learn new skills quickly is preferred.
Adaptability to ever changing projects and people is preferred.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, experience with research participant
recruitment, and proficiency with data management tools and standard office software
(Microsoft Office, Excel) are strongly preferred.

• Contract Compliance - VU
• Data Capture - VU
• Quality Control - VU
• Quantitative Research - VU
• Regulatory…