Research Assistant 3 - ON SITE

Discover Vanderbilt Health : With eight hospitals and over 180 clinics, we are the region’s largest comprehensive academic health system. Vanderbilt Health has a long tradition of providing world-class care to the people of the Mid-South, living out our mission of moving medicine forward through preeminent programs in patient care, education and research. Here you’ll find a spirit of collaboration and a supportive community where your expertise is valued, your knowledge expanded and your uniqueness celebrated. We are committed to fostering an environment where talented, compassionate people are united in bringing the most advanced care to our neighbors throughout the region. Organization: PMI Molecular Pathogenesis Job Summary: The Georgiev laboratory seeks qualified applicants for a Research Assistant III (RAIII) role. The ideal candidate will function as a laboratory resource and make essential contributions by culturing cells (both eukaryotic & prokaryotic), performing molecular biology (e.g., transformations, DNA preparation, PCR, sequence analysis, etc.), expressing and purifying proteins, performing phage display, performing flow cytometry, performing ELISA, preparing common reagents, performing routine maintenance of lab equipment, inventorying reagents and supplies, and carrying out other duties as necessitated. The successful candidate will under minimal supervision, set up, conduct experiments, and contribute to research projects following protocols including the appropriate recording of data and reporting of standard or variant results. The RAIII will also assist in other laboratory and research functions. Exceptional organizational skills, verbal communication, written communication, attention to detail, and the ability to function as part of a dynamic research team are required. Previous experience with plasmid preparation, cloning, DNA mutagenesis, phage display library construction and screening, ELISA, and culturing and transfecting mammalian cells is preferred. REQUIRED: - Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent experience) - Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience This position will work on site at Vanderbilt Medical Center North located at 1211 21st Ave. S. in Nashville, TN and will work Monday-Friday, traditional daytime business hours. . DEPARTMENT SUMMARY : The Vanderbilt Center for Antibody Therapeutics (VCAT) is recognized as one of the leading centers in the world with broad expertise in basic and clinical discovery related to understanding and optimizing disease prevention through antibody discovery. At the interface of immunology and virology, recent computational advances have allowed us to better understand the interactions between antibodies and antigen, to design immunogens capable of eliciting target antibody specificities, and to optimize antibodies as clinical products. Research efforts in the Georgiev laboratory aim to utilize the power of computation to increase our understanding of fundamental questions in immunology and virology and to develop novel ways of using this understanding to fight diseases. For the translational component of our research, we apply structure-based protein design approaches to the development of new vaccine and antibody product candidates against a number of viruses of biomedical interest KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • • Under minimal supervision, plan, conduct and evaluate experiments and assays of varying complexity • Understand and follow experimental protocols (may include animal handling, tissue culture, etc.) • Record, compile, interpret, and communicate data/results • Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, radioactivity, toxic material, and/or carcinogens) • Perform calculations involving molarity, % solutions, and serial dilutions • Prepare, operate, and troubleshoot equipment in experimental procedures • Recommend equipment and supplies needed for research projects • Read and follow all equipment manuals • Maintain and repair equipment according to manufacturer and University guidelines • Ensure Laboratory is prepared for experiments • Maintain inventories • Maintain sterile conditions as required • Prepare reagents • Assist PI in modifying procedures and techniques • Recognize problems and suggest solutions, assist in modifications • Recommend improvements to established techniques and/or protocols • Maintain personal knowledge of scientific trends through literature reviews, attendance at meetings, conferences and seminars • Provide appropriate written/oral documentation of experiments • Prepare research progress reports • Analyze and summarize test results • Preparation and oral presentation of data as required • Assist in the effective operation of the laboratory • Train other employees • Supervise projects and/or personnel Our Academic Enterprise is one of the nation’s longest serving and most prestigious academic medical centers. Through its historic bond with Vanderbilt University and integral role in the School of Medicine, Vanderbilt Health cultivates distinguished research and educational programs to advance a clinical enterprise that provides compassionate and personalized care and support for millions of patients and family members each year. World-leading academic departments and comprehensive centers of excellence pursue scientific discoveries and transformational educational and clinical advances across the entire spectrum of health and disease. Aligning with Vanderbilt Health’s Strategic Directions , the Office of Research provides shared research resources, administrative expertise and professional guidance to enable the trans-disciplinary environment and highly collaborative culture that advances discovery and training for all the research faculty, trainees, students and staff.  Core Accountabilities: Organizational Impact: Independently delivers on objectives with understanding of how they impact the results of own area/team and other related te