Research Assistant

Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN

Who this role is best for

Strong fit for candidates with hands-on lab experience who are motivated to work in regenerative biology and neuroscience, and who can manage both experimental and administrative tasks in a collaborative academic environment in Nashville.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with prior lab experience in zebrafish genetics and neuroscience research
    — “Generation of mutant and transgenic zebrafish lines by microinjection”
  • Individuals who enjoy working with animals and have a strong interest in pharmacology and molecular biology
    — “Enthusiasm for working with animals is essential”
  • Candidates who thrive in a collaborative, research-driven academic setting
    — “Participation to weekly group laboratory meetings”

Things to consider

  • Previous experience in a research lab is strongly preferred, not just a basic requirement
    — “Previous experience is strongly preferred”
  • The role requires attention to detail and the ability to troubleshoot independently
    — “Organizational and troubleshooting skills, attention to details”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with zebrafish surgeries and behavioral assays in your resume
    — “Spinal cord surgeries and behavioral assays in zebrafish”
  • Showcase your ability to conduct literature searches and learn new techniques quickly
    — “ability to pick up new techniques promptly and conduct literature search if needed”
  • Emphasize your experience with molecular cloning and histology techniques
    — “Molecular cloning and histology (cryostats, immunohistochemistry, microscopy)”
  • Demonstrate your ability to manage lab inventory and reagent ordering efficiently
    — “Ordering and preparation of laboratory reagents”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • co-author on published manuscripts
Typical background
Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, Biology or related fieldprevious experience in a research lab

Skills & requirements

Required

Regenerative BiologyNeuroscienceExperimental ProceduresMolecular CloningHistologyCryostatsImmunohistochemistryMicroscopyAnimal HandlingData AnalysisMicrosoft Office

Preferred

Zebrafish GeneticsBehavioral Assays

Stack & domain

Experimental ProceduresMolecular CloningHistologyMicroscopyMicrosoft Office ProgramsOrganizational SkillsTroubleshooting SkillsAttention To DetailsWork EthicsAbility To Work Independently And CollaborativelyRegenerative BiologyNeuroscienceAnimal WorkZebrafishDrug Discovery

About the role

Original posting from Vanderbilt University

Job DescriptionThe position is a combination of science and administrative responsibilities. The candidate will play a crucial role in supporting research endeavors by conducting a variety of experimental procedures. S/He will also be required to manage administrative duties such as contributing to placing orders and keeping inventory.

We are looking for highly motivated and ambitious candidates with interest for regenerative biology and neuroscience. Enthusiasm for working with animals is essential. Specialized training will be provided. Previous experience is strongly preferred. The candidate will have the opportunity to figure as co-author on published manuscripts.

About the Work Unit:The Department of Pharmacology is one of the most distinguished Pharmacology departments in the country. Research interests include seven major areas: signal transduction mechanisms, neuronal communication and synaptic signaling, bioactive lipids, molecular basis of neuropsychiatric disorders, structural biology, drug discovery, and cancer biology. For information about research in the laboratory visit https://www.cigliola-lab.com.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:Conduct experiments and assays. 

Record, compile, interpret and communicate data.

Generation of mutant and transgenic zebrafish lines by microinjection.

Spinal cord surgeries and behavioral assays in zebrafish.

Molecular cloning and histology (cryostats, immunohistochemistry, microscopy).

Ordering and preparation of laboratory reagents. 

Participation to weekly group laboratory meetings.

Education and Certifications:Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, Biology or related field and previous experience in a research lab.

Previous experience at Vanderbilt University is preferred.

Organizational and troubleshooting skills, attention to details, excellent work ethics.

Motivation to learn, ability to pick up new techniques promptly and conduct literature search if needed is required.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an efficient, focused, and timely manner.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and computer skills.

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.

Source: Vanderbilt University careers

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