Research Assistant, Chemical and Bimolecular Engineering

The Research Assistant is part of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Vanderbilt University and is a key contributor responsible for day to day operations and experiments. The position will supervise, conduct and evaluate experiments and assays of varying complexity; prepare, operate, and troubleshoot equipment in experimental procedures; and assist in the effective operation of the laboratory.

About the Work Unit:
The Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department is involved in research and education
in the areas of pharmaceuticals, bioengineered materials, high strength composites and
specialty polymers, semiconductors and microelectronic devices, and a wide range of ultrapure
fine chemicals. The solutions to many of the problems that we face today—e.g., energy, the
environment, development of high- performance materials—involves chemical engineers. The
undergraduate program in chemical engineering prepares students to contribute to the solution
of these and similar problems. Graduates find meaningful careers in industry, in government
laboratories, and as private consultants. Some continue their education through graduate
studies in chemical engineering, business, law, or medicine.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Under minimal supervision, plan, conduct and evaluate experiments and assays of
varying complexity.
o Plan and coordinate experiments in conjunction with Principal Investigator (PI) and
other lab personnel
o Prepare standard operating procedures (SOPs) involving studies of human
subjects, and ensure that SOPs are understood and followed by all study
personnel
o Understand and follow experimental protocols, including but not limited to the
following:
o Sample preparation, derivatization, and analysis by GC-MS and LC-MS
o Sample preparation and analysis by HPLC
o YSI biochemical analysis for glucose/lactate/glutamine/glutamate
o Metabolite, protein, DNA, and RNA extractions from cells and tissues
o PCR techniques
o Western blots
o Record, compile, interpret, and communicate data/results
o Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, toxic
material, and/or carcinogens)

Prepare, operate, and troubleshoot equipment in experimental procedures.
o Recommend equipment and supplies needed for research projects
o Read and follow all equipment manuals
o Ensure that general lab equipment (e.g., hoods, incubators, pipets) are calibrated
and re-certified on a regular basis

Ensure laboratory is prepared for experiments.
o Maintain inventories of general lab supplies
o Ensure that cell bank maintains the proper level of liquid nitrogen
o Control and reorder gas supplies for lab equipment
o Maintain sterile conditions as required
o Prepare reagents

Provide appropriate written/oral documentation of experiments
o Maintain an organized lab notebook
o Prepare research progress reports or summaries as requested
o Analyze and summarize experimental results in spreadsheets or other electronic
formats for data storage or transfer to other lab personnel
o Use custom lab software for processing mass spectrometry data

Assist PI in modifying procedures and techniques.
o Recognize problems and suggest solutions, assist in modifications
o Recommend improvements to established techniques and/or protocols

Assist in the effective operation of the laboratory.
o Maintain chemical inventory, MSDS, and biohazard compliance data for the lab
o Initiate and manage orders through eProcurement for the research group
o Other tasks as assigned

Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and
functionally to the Professor.

Education and Certifications
 Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related fields is necessary.

Experience and Skills:
 1-2 years of experience in laboratory research is preferred.
 Ability to maintain a high level of organization is necessary.
 A desire to learn, especially outside of one's comfort zone, is necessary.
 A high level of motivation and initiative is necessary.
 Ability to maintain quality and safety standards is necessary.
 Ability to understand and follow complex, detailed technical instructions is necessary.
 Ability to understand and follow basic research protocols and procedures is necessary.
 Ability to develop scientific research protocols and procedures is strongly preferred.
 Ability to analyze and interpret scientific data is strongly preferred.
 Computer and database skills are preferred.
 Experience in cell culture and molecular biology is preferred.
 Experience in mass spectrometry and biochemical analysis is preferred.