Research Assistant (Term) - Zwiebel Lab

Position Summary:

The Research Assistant (Term) is part of the Department of Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for supporting the research projects of the Zwiebel Laboratory. This position is responsible for conducting insect electrophysiology and behavior studies and for having primary responsibility for maintaining ant colonies in our insectary. Reporting directly to the PI, the RA is in daily contact with the PI and other lab members.

The RA will have familiarity with general laboratory equipment and procedures and will be expected to take primary responsibility for ant colonies. They must be a team player who is able to assess and help address the daily needs and research requirements of the laboratory.

About the Work Unit:

The Department of Biological Sciences 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.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

1. Under minimal supervision, conduct and evaluate experiments and assays of varying complexity.
   1. Plan and coordinate insect electrophysiology and behavior experiments in conjunction with principal investigator (PI).
   2. Understand and follow experimental protocols (may include animal handling, tissue culture, etc.).
   3. Assist in microinjection studies on adult and pre-adult stage insects.

   4. Record, compile, interpret, and communicate data/results.
   5. Follow university safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, radioactivity, toxic material, and/or carcinogens).
   6. Perform calculations involving molarity, % solutions, and serial dilutions.
2. Prepare, operate and troubleshoot equipment in experimental procedures.
   1. Recommend equipment and supplies needed for research projects.
   2. Read and follow all equipment manuals.
   3. Maintain and repair equipment according to manufacturer and university guidelines.
3. Ensure laboratory is prepared for experiments.
   1. Maintain inventories of lab supplies and stocks.      
   2. Maintain sterile conditions as required.
   3. Maintain insect colonies as required. 
   4. Prepare reagents.
   5. Prepare HEK cells for transfection and Xenopus oocytes for injection.
4. Assist PI and other laboratory members in modifying procedures and techniques.
   1. Recognize problems and suggest solutions, assist in modifications. 
   2. Recommend improvements to established techniques and/or protocols.
5. Other tasks as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility. This position reports functionally to the Principal Investigator and administratively to the Administrative Manager.

Qualifications: 

• This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in the fields of Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related area.

• A Master’s degree is strongly preferred.

• General experience in laboratory research and molecular biology is essential.

• Experience or familiarity with animal handling, insect electrophysiology, and behavior and husbandry techniques is required.

• Proven ability to design experimental setups is preferred.

• Experience with insect electrophysiology (whole appendage, single sensillum and whole cell) is strongly preferred.