JOB SUMMARY:

A Research Laboratory in the Dept. of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology has an immediate opening for a Research Assistant II.

The focus of the laboratory is on identifying the mechanisms by which the MAPK signal transduction pathway contributes to homeostasis and to disease. The candidate must have demonstrated experience in sterile cell culture and imaging and rodent handling. The ideal candidate will also have experience in immunofluorescence imaging as well as biochemistry and molecular biology techniques.

Department Summary:

The Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology at Vanderbilt has a long and rich history of excellence in teaching, clinical service, and research. Our collaborative efforts in personalized medicine in cancer, pharmacogenomics and the creation of Diagnostic Management Teams are at the "leading edge" of a revolution in the practice of pathology. The department lives and breathes our mantra that we are a "laboratory of the whole" for defining the future of pathology. We are committed to taking a leadership role in both basic and translational research in these areas of focus.

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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. It is a place where your diversity -- of culture, thinking, learning and leading -- is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt's mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.

VUMC Recent Accomplishments

Because we are committed to providing the best in patient care, education and research, we are proud of our recent accomplishments:

• US News & World Report: #1 Adult Hospital in Tennessee and metropolitan Nashville, named to the Best Hospitals Honor Roll of the top 20 adult hospitals, 10 nationally ranked adult specialty programs, with 3 specialties rated in the top 10 nationally, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt named as one of the Best Children's Hospital in the nation, with 10 out of 10 pediatric specialties nationally ranked.
• Healthcare's Most Wired: Among the nation's 100 "most-wired" hospitals and health systems for its efforts in innovative medical technology.
• Becker's Hospital Review: named as one of the "100 Great Hospitals in America", in the roster of 100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs and to its list of the 100 Hospitals with Great Heart Programs.
• The Leapfrog Group: One of only 10 children's hospitals in the to be named at Leapfrog Top Hospital.
• American Association for the Advancement of Science: The School of Medicine has 112 elected fellows
• Magnet Recognition Program: Received our third consecutive Magnet designations.
• National Academy of Medicine: 22 members, elected by their peers in recognition of outstanding achievement
• Human Rights Campaign Healthcare Equality Index: 6^th year in a row that Vanderbilt University Medical Center was a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct tissue culture studies using primary and transformed tissue and /or cells
• Perform rodent husbandry, genotype analysis, surgery and drug treatment
• Immunofluorescence imaging
• Flow cytometry analysis
• Design and create expression vectors including plasmid and lentivirus
• Write experimental protocols and accurately document all laboratory activities
• Maintain laboratory supplies and equipment
• Maintain chemical and biological inventory and safety documentation
• Train or assist in training of new students and staff
• Report data to the PI in written, graphical, and oral communications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum Education: BA/BS in biology, chemistry or physics
• Proficient with sterile tissue culture and experience in imaging
• Willingness to work with rodents in a laboratory setting
• Experience with animal handling, cloning and Western blot
• Basic skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint required with some coding experience in R highly desirable
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with others in a positive and productive manner
• Individuals should be self-starters, have attention to detail, be able to multi-task and capable of self-management
• Willingness to perform some weekend and after hours work with possible overtime or adjusted weekday hours