Junior Staff Scientist

The Staff Scientist is part of the Biomedical Engineering research program at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for conducting rigorous experimental research in cell and molecular bioengineering. This position supports multidisciplinary projects at the interface of mammalian cell engineering, synthetic biology, regenerative medicine, and disease modeling.

The Staff Scientist will plan and execute laboratory experiments, analyze and document results, and work collaboratively with faculty, trainees, and research staff. The individual will maintain high standards of experimental rigor, reproducibility, laboratory safety, and data stewardship. The successful candidate will learn new methods as project needs evolve and take increasing ownership of experimental workflows and research projects. Prior experience in every technical area used by the laboratory is not expected; scientific judgment, reliability, technical aptitude, and the ability to learn are central to the role.

About the Work Unit:
The laboratory is a multidisciplinary research group in Vanderbilt University's Department of Biomedical Engineering. Its research combines cell and molecular engineering, synthetic biology, biomaterials, and regenerative medicine to develop new approaches for understanding and treating disease. Team members work across disciplinary boundaries and collaborate with researchers in engineering, basic science, and medicine. The work unit values scientific rigor, reliability, clear communication, thoughtful collaboration, and the development of new technical and intellectual capabilities.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:
• Conduct rigorous and reproducible wet-laboratory research using mammalian cell culture, molecular and cellular biology, and related bioengineering methods.
• Plan experiments in consultation with the principal investigator and project team; identify appropriate controls, execute studies carefully, and communicate results, limitations, technical challenges, and project needs clearly and proactively.
• Collect, analyze, organize, and interpret experimental data and maintain complete, accurate, and timely research records.
• Demonstrate accountability and reliability by taking ownership of assigned experiments and work products, meeting agreed-upon timelines, communicating challenges promptly, and following responsibilities through to completion.
• Engage actively in professional development by seeking and incorporating feedback, learning new experimental methods and technologies as project needs evolve, and developing increasing scientific and technical independence.
• Approach technical challenges with persistence and sound scientific judgment by systematically troubleshooting problems, seeking input when appropriate, and contributing to the optimization and standardization of experimental methods.
• Support studies involving primary cells, stem cells, engineered mammalian cells, and/or preclinical disease models as appropriate to assigned projects.
• Contribute data, figures, methods, and technical input to manuscripts, presentations, reports, and grant-related activities.
• Contribute to a collaborative and supportive research environment by communicating professionally, sharing expertise, assisting colleagues when appropriate, and working effectively with students, postdoctoral researchers, staff, faculty, and external collaborators.
• Assist with laboratory operations, including reagent and sample organization, equipment use and maintenance, protocol documentation, biosafety compliance, and training in established methods.
• Perform other research-related duties as assigned in response to evolving scientific and operational needs.

Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have formal supervisory responsibility, although the Staff Scientist may
provide technical guidance or training to students and other laboratory personnel. This position
reports administratively and functionally to the Principal Investigator.

Education and Certifications
• Bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering, bioengineering, biology, molecular
biology, cell biology, neuroscience, or a closely related scientific or engineering field is required.
• Master's degree or Ph.D. in a relevant biomedical, biological, or engineering discipline is preferred.
• Relevant laboratory safety, animal research, or other compliance training must be
completed as required for assigned duties.

Experience and Skills:
• Demonstrated reliability, accountability, attention to detail, effective communication, and ability to work collaboratively in a research environment are required.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in a biomedical wet-laboratory research environment is required.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and standard molecular or cellular biology methods is required.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to maintain rigorous research records are required.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, learn unfamiliar methods, troubleshoot experiments, and communicate scientific results effectively is required.
• Experience with stem cells, primary cells, genetic engineering, microscopy, flow cytometry, quantitative molecular assays, or related techniques is preferred.
• Experience with animal models of disease, particularly neurological/neurodegenerative or musculoskeletal disease, is preferred but not required.
• Experience in synthetic biology, cell engineering, biomaterials, tissue engineering, or regenerative medicine is preferred but not required.