Job Description
The Research Assistant will perform research in the biology of aging as a key contributor to a laboratory working to identify and understand interventions to ameliorate age-onset diseases and pathology. The Burkewitz Lab uses a combination of molecular genetic, biochemical, and cell biological approaches to study the interconnections between cell biology and metabolism, primarily in C. elegans and occasionally through work in other model systems. The position involves working closely with the principal investigator to execute and maintain best-practices in a new laboratory. The Research Assistant will be responsible for managing the day-to-day functions of the laboratory, including ordering supplies and reagents, coordinating and assisting with media preparation, and coordinating maintenance of biological libraries (e.g., C. elegans strains, nonpathogenic bacterial stocks, cell lines, plasmids, primers, etc.). Upon mastery of these tasks, the position provides an opportunity to grow and learn as an experimentalist in addition to contribute to manuscripts, including genetic analyses, fluorescence microscopy, and molecular biology and biochemical analyses (see specific examples below).

Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist with daily lab operations

• Participate in media and buffer preparation
• Assist in maintaining libraries of biological reagents (primers, plasmids, bacteria, cell lines and C. elegans strains)
• Assist in procuring reagents and supplies and maintain the lab inventory
• Assist in maintaining lab instruments and equipment
• Assist in maintaining lab compliance with biological and chemical safety protocols

C. elegans husbandry

• Grow bacterial cultures and maintain animals
• Assist with experiments and microscopy

Genetic, molecular and cell biological analysis

• CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and mutagenesis
• Microinjection
• Protein biochemistry
• PCR, gel electrophoresis
• Molecular cloning
• RNA/DNA extraction, qRT-PCR

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required.
• Strong communication and organizational skills are required.
• Diligence along with the ability and desire to maintain high quality and safety standards are required.
• 1-2 years of laboratory experience is preferred, but not required.
• Familiarity with standard molecular biological techniques is preferred.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
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.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.
About Us
Vanderbilt is a community of talented and diverse staff & faculty!
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 through:

• Working and growing together as a community of communities... we are One Vanderbilt .
• Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self , while providing the resources and opportunities to learn and grow.
• Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally while fostering the value that every member of the Vanderbilt community can lead and grow regardless of title or position.

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 has made the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University may require employees to comply with any testing or health and safety measures which the University may require.