The Research Specialist is part of the Spraggins Lab in the Mass Spectrometry Research Center and the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at Vanderbilt University. They will be a key individual contributor responsible for the execution of multimodal imaging workflows including tissue processing, sample preparation, data acquisition, and basic data analysis. This position reports directly to Dr. Spraggins.

The Spraggins group develops integrated molecular imaging technologies to elucidate the molecular basis of health and disease. Modern instrumentation and computing capabilities have enabled researchers to move beyond reductionist biology and, instead, probe how the components of biological entities (e.g. molecules, cells, and tissues) interact globally to reveal the underlying biology of disease. This systems biology approach has been accelerated by advancements in high-throughput ‘omics’ technologies, however, genetic and molecular information are only part of the story. The challenge lies in understanding how these parts interact and how perturbations to the system relate to disease. To address this challenge, we are advancing instrumental capabilities and developing the computational tools necessary to integrate and mine multimodal data sets that bring together imaging mass spectrometry, highly multiplexed immunofluorescence microscopy, and spatial transcriptomics.

The Spraggins laboratory is part of the Mass Spectrometry Research Center and Department of Cell & Developmental Biology at Vanderbilt University. Team members have access to state-of-the-art instrumentation including 6 imaging mass spectrometers, a CODEX highly multimplexed immunofluorsence platform, 2 fluorescence slide scanners, a laser capture microdissection system, and a GeoMx spatial transcriptomics instrument. The Mass Spectrometry Research Center also hosts a collection of commercial and state-of-the-art custom software for the analysis of imaging, multi-omics, and microscopy data.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Research

• Preparation of biological tissues for spatial transcriptomics experiments, including tissue sectioning, mounting, fixation and washing.
• Preparation of biological tissues for single-cell transcriptomics experiments, including cell and/or nuclei isolation, RNA capture, amplification, and library prep.
• Execution of transcriptomics workflows including molecular barcoding, nucleic acid amplification, and NGS library preparation.
• Execution of immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry microscopy workflows including antibody conjugation, validation, and imaging.
• Work closely with team members to interpret data generated by assays.
• Produce data visualizations and figures for presentations and publications.

Laboratory Maintenance

• Routine laboratory maintenance
• Data management
• Record-keeping
• Instrumentation maintenance and management

Collaborations and Education

• Assist team members with implementing biocomputational and single-cell and spatial transcriptomics workflows.
• Train students and postdocs on biocomputational tools.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in physical or biological sciences is necessary.
• Six years of molecular biology experience is required.
• Track record of executing complex molecular biology protocols is preferred.
• Hands-on experience with PCR and/or qPCR, is preferred.
• Experience with molecular, biochemical, or cell biological techniques, including nucleic acid purification and next-generation sequencing, is preferred.
• Hands-on experience with tissue processing, histological techniques, and microscopy is preferred.
• Experience with common software for image analysis and segmentation is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to learn and assist in the development of new protocols/technologies in an evolving field.

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.