Research Assistant, Stem Cell Biology

The Vanderbilt Center for Stem Cell Biology (VCSCB) at Vanderbil t University seeks a full-time Research Assistant to join the team . The Research Assistant w ill be a key team member in the Vanderbilt Genome Editing Resource (VGER), a Vanderbilt core facility and critical component of the VCSCB. The Research Assistant wil l report to the Manager of VGER and will support services for Vanderbilt investigators by perform ing cell culture for human pluripotent stem cell lines, in vitro fertilization, gamete cryopreservation and mouse husbandry . VGER, by competently providing these services, enables Vanderbilt investigators to perform state-of-the-art cellular, molecular and/or developmental biology experimentation in pluripotent stem cells and genome-edited mouse models .
The Research Assistant w ill work together with VGER staff to perform a variety of cell and molecular biological experiments in both cell lines and mice . The Research Assistant will also ensure the laboratory is prepared for experiments and evaluate data from experiments . By successfully helping investigators to produce and genetically-modify human p luripotent stem cell lines and mouse models , the performance of the Research Assistant will be critical to the missions of Van derbilt, the VC SCB, and VGER. To achieve th ese goals a high level of communication, teamwork, organization, and per formance is required .
The Vanderbilt Center for Stem Cell Biology (VCSCB) reports to the Dean of Basic Sciences in the School of Medicine. This unit facilitates scientific communication between faculty member s and oversees the operations of two fee-for-service based core facilities, the Vanderbilt Genome Editing Resource (VGER) and Creative Data Solutions (CDS). VGER currently supports over one hundred laboratories at Vanderbilt in the production and use of genetically-altered mice, and seeks to expand its already substantial scientific impact through the development and performance of services related to the production and genetic modification of human pluripotent stem cells.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist in maintenance and validation of induced pluripotent stem cell lines.
- Perform routine culture and genome editing of induced pluripotent stem cells.
- Assist with p erform ing and analyzing CRISPR/Cas-mediated mutagenesis in mice.
- Perform routine mouse husbandry and genotyping.
- Perform s perm or embryo harvest for cryopreservation and in vitro fertilization.
- Collect t ail biopsies and perform genotyping by PCR.
- Summarize and present experimental results in a clear, organized and coherent manner . Ensure laboratory is prepared for experiments .
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in biology or a related field is necessary .
- Master's degree in biology or a related field is preferred.
- At least t wo years of relevant laboratory experience is necessary .
- Knowledge of mammalian development, gene regulation, cell differentiation and genome editing is strongly preferred.
- Experience performing CRISPR/Cas-mutagenesis and induced pluripotent stem cell culture and maintenance is preferred.
- Experience with small laboratory animals is necessary .
- Basic knowledge of mouse husbandry and genotyping is necessary .
- Molecular biology skills including tissue culture, PCR, generation and purification of DNA is necessary.
- Experience in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is necessary.
- Experience in the use of FileMaker Pro databases and other online data resources is preferred.
- Previous cell culture experience is strongly preferred.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.