Research Assistant II

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.

With moderate supervision, you will set up and conduct experiments, follow established protocols, and ensure accurate documentation and reporting of results (including any unexpected or variant findings). Your work will include:

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
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

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
You’ll join the Vanderbilt Center for Antibody Therapeutics (VCAT)—recognized as one of the world’s leading centers for antibody discovery and translational research focused on disease prevention. At the intersection of immunology and virology, our work leverages computational advances to better understand antibody–antigen interactions, design immunogens, and optimize antibodies for clinical use.

In the Georgiev laboratory, we use computational and structure-based protein design approaches to address fundamental questions in immunology and virology and to develop new vaccine and antibody product candidates targeting viruses of biomedical importance.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to work with a dynamic, interdisciplinary research team and contribute to impactful, translational science.

Schedule and location
Typical schedule is Monday–Friday, daytime hours, with flexibility in your daily start/end time as long as responsibilities are met. May be occasional weekend work but anticipated work week is 40 hours.
This is an on-site role working at VUMC Medical Research Building IV (MRB IV), 2215 Garland Ave., Nashville, TN

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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

 

Supporting Colleagues:- Develops Self and Others: Invests time, energy, and enthusiasm in developing self/others to help improve performance e and gain knowledge in new areas.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Maintains regular contact with key colleagues and stakeholders using formal and informal opportunities to expand and strengthen relationships.- Communicates Effectively: Recognizes group interactions and modifies one's own communication style to suit different situations and audiences. Delivering Excellent Services:- Serves Others with Compassion: Seeks to understand current and future needs of relevant stakeholders and customizes services to better address them.- Solves Complex Problems: Approaches problems from different angles; Identifies new possibilities to interpret opportunities and develop concrete solutions.- Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Provides ongoing support and coaching in a constructive manner to increase employees' effectiveness. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Engages regularly in formal and informal dialogue about quality; directly addresses quality issues promptly.- Ensures Continuous Improvement: Applies various learning experiences by looking beyond symptoms to uncover underlying causes of problems and identifies ways to resolve them. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Understands all aspects of providing a safe environment and performs routine safety checks to prevent safety hazards from occurring. Managing Resources Effectively: - Demonstrates Accountability: Demonstrates a sense of ownership, focusing on and driving critical issues to closure.- Stewards Organizational Resources: Applies understanding of the departmental work to effectively manage resources for a department/area.- Makes Data Driven Decisions: Demonstrates strong understanding of the information or data to identify and elevate opportunities. Fostering Innovation:- Generates New Ideas: Proactively identifies new ideas/opportunities from multiple sources or methods to improve processes beyond conventional approaches.- Applies Technology: Demonstrates an enthusiasm for learning new technologies, tools, and procedures to address short-term challenges.- Adapts to Change: Views difficult situations and/or problems as opportunities for improvement; actively embraces change instead of emphasizing negative elements.

Responsibilities:

Certifications :

Work Experience :

Relevant Work Experience

Experience Level :

2 years

Education :

Bachelor's

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.

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.