Research Assistant, Pharmacology Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN

The Meltzer Laboratory is a new addition to the Department of Pharmacology and Vanderbilt Brain Institute. We are developing cutting-edge molecular tools to uncover the molecular and cellular processes during somatosensation development in health and disease. The Research Assistant will be key to the success of our research program. This position requires knowledge of basic laboratory procedures, detailed record keeping, and standard genetics, molecular biology, and anatomy techniques.

This position reports directly to the Principal Investigator.

Job Description

The Meltzer Laboratory specializes in using new molecular and imaging tools to understand how neural signals regulate touch and pain sensation development and disease. Our approach is interdisciplinary and spans mouse genetics, molecular biology, RNA sequencing, confocal microscopy, electrophysiology, and in vivo analysis of mouse models.

Duties And Responsibilities

• The Research Assistant will facilitate establishing a laboratory and support research projects in the laboratory and is expected to be collaborative.
• Primary responsibilities will include general laboratory organization and support, maintenance of central laboratory databases, genotyping, mouse husbandry, and laboratory mouse colony organization.
• Motivated individuals will have the opportunity to learn how to perform anatomy, confocal microscopy, behavior, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Opportunity to perform independent research.
• Organize and maintain laboratory reagents and equipment.
• Assist with mouse maintenance and general laboratory operation.
• Learn about how to establish a laboratory.
• Be a collaborative and interactive member of our research community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, neuroscience, biochemistry, chemistry, or related field is required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community are strongly preferred.
• Skill in organizing resources, establishing priorities, and attention to detail are strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, as well as basic computer skills, are strongly preferred.
• Vanderbilt experience is preferred.
• Basic laboratory experience is required.

At Vanderbilt University, our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running.

We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster, and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

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.