Research Assistant- Biological Sciences (Tate Lab)

Job Description

The Tate lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt University is seeking a motivated and conscientious full-time Research Assistant to perform laboratory tasks and experiments related to the evolution of immune systems and host-microbe interactions, including experimental evolution of insect resistance to microbes. Basic laboratory skills and excellent record keeping habits are necessary. Reporting directly to the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant will collaborate with other lab members to pursue the scientific goals of the laboratory.

The primary responsibility for this position is performing experiments while also coordinating the care of invertebrate organisms and supporting day-to-day laboratory maintenance, inventory, and operations, including frequent communication with other lab members. The candidate should be capable of performing tasks and protocols with minimal supervision after receiving training and should be willing to troubleshooting failed procedures, including consultation of the primary literature. The candidate will be expected to attend laboratory meetings and be a scientifically engaged and collaborative member of the lab, including assisting with training and experimental support to other lab members. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required. 

The Tate lab is a dynamic group of students, postdoctoral fellows, and staff interested in the ecology and evolution of immune systems and infectious diseases. The group is highly collaborative, and values frequent communication, feedback, and respect among lab members. 

The Tate lab is part of the Department of Biological Sciences, which has an excellent staff to facilitate issue resolution involving personnel, financial management, supply and equipment orders proposal submission, and infrastructure. The faculty in the department carry out diverse research projects and often collaborate with other members within the department and in nearby departments. This department covers a broad spectrum of biology, from molecules and cells to tissues and organisms to populations and ecosystems. Award-winning faculty and graduate students teach and carry out research in Biochemistry, Structural Biology and Biophysics, Cell Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Computational Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, Developmental Biology, and Neurobiology.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Under moderate supervision, run experiments, assays, and record results (75% time)
   • Read and follow experimental protocols (May include handling of animals and microbes and nucleic acid handling, etc.) 
   • Modify experimental protocols with consultation from advisor
   • Recognize problems and independently come up with solutions
   • Compile, statistically analyze, and communicate results to supervisor
   • Coordinate the logistics and data management for multi-person experiments
   • Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, toxic material, and/or carcinogenics)
   • Perform calculations necessary for serial dilutions, media preparation, and sample handling
2. Ensure smooth and effective laboratory operations (25% of time)
   • Make common lab reagents and solutions as required 
   • Maintain inventories and order supplies as needed
   • Ensure proper working order of equipment 
   • Maintain invertebrate organism stocks and experimental populations
   • Assist with training and experimental logistics for other lab members 
   • Communicate frequently with other lab members
   • Keep order records and documentation according to Department guidelines
   • Serve as an emergency contact (e.g. in case of -80C failure).
   • Help the PI to ensure all safety codes and documentation in the lab are up to date according to University guidelines
3. Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field is necessary.
• Two or more years of research experience in biology is strongly preferred. 
• Familiarity with insect biology and/or molecular biology is strongly preferred. 

Supervisory Relationships
Research Assistant will be responsible for monitoring day to day technical practices of
students in the lab and training undergraduate and new graduate students in basic lab techniques as well as advising
on new experimental designs and protocols. This position reports administratively to the Departmental
Administrative Manager and functionally to the PI, Ann Tate.