Research Assistant, Cell and Developmental Biology

The research assistant is part of the laboratory of Dr. Rebecca Ihrie at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for supporting research efforts of senior lab personnel. This position will include preparation of rare biological samples, execution of cell biology experiments, and production and analysis of multidimensional imaging and cytometry data. Reporting directly to the principal investigator (Dr. Ihrie), the research assistant will be expected to complete experiments, data analysis, and preparation of data figures together with senior laboratory members and the principal investigator.
T h e D e par t m e n t o f C ell a nd Devel o pm e ntal B iol o gy is a vibr a nt, i n te r dis c i p li n ary e n vir o nm e nt for c utt i n g - e dge r esearch o v er a s c ale t hat spa n s se v en powers o f te n , f r om s i ngle mo l ecules to w hole organisms. T he di f fer e n c e b e t w een a test t ube a n d a c ell is s p a t i o -t e m p o r a l organ i za t io n , a n d w e s t udy molecular, c ell u lar a n d t i ssue org a ni z a ti o n i n m an y of the la b ora t ories w i t hin o u r d e par t ment, s e ek i n g i n sights i n to f u nda m e n t a l bio l ogical q ues t i o n s a n d h uman dis e ase. We a r e an i n teractive a n d hig h ly c ollabor a tive de p a r t m en t, w i t h a s tr o ng gr a du a te st u de n t associ a ti o n, o u t s ta n d i ng c o r e f acilities, a t o p - ra n k ed devel o pm e ntal b i ol o gy pro g ram, a nd ex c e p ti o nally s t rong facu l ty. Re c e n t facu l ty re c r u i ts a r e study i ng c ell mi g ra t i o n u sing s u pe r - r esol u ti o n m i c ros c o p y, single molecu l e a n aly s is of micro t u b ule dynamic s , s y stems bio lo gy of i nte s ti n al e pi t helia, stem c ell b i ol o g y , a nd t h e regu l a t i o n o f plasma membr a ne c o m posi t ion a n d a g ei n g.
Duties and Responsibilities
The research assistant will complete scientific experiments, data analysis, and preparation of data figures, including the following:
- Care for and treat research models, including injections using a stereotaxic apparatus
- Dissect and prepare sections of brain tissue and complete histological staining
- Assist with mouse model husbandry
- Prepare dissociated cells for flow cytometry analyses, including mass cytometry
- Image tissue sections and cultured cells using standard and confocal fluorescence microscopy
- Deploy computational analysis pipelines (ImageJ, R) to analyze cytometry data
- Prepare figures using research data
- Discuss data and next steps at weekly all-hands meetings
- Complete ordering, organization, and inventory maintenance of lab stocks
- Assist in equipment and lab maintenance (inspections, certifications, repairs, purchases)
- Assist in training for rotating graduate student and undergrad research projects
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in scientific discipline (awarded or expected) is necessary.
- Specific experience in rodent brain injection and animal model surgery is strongly preferred.
- Experience in tissue sectioning for research histology is strongly preferred.
- Experience in immunostaining analyses of brain is strongly preferred.
- Experience in semiautomated microscopy image analysis (CellProfiler, Zeiss Zen, Neurolucida, or Fiji/ImageJ) 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.