Itlearn360
Research Technician - Term Biological Sciences - Lea Lab at Vanderbilt Universit
Itlearn360, Nashville, Tennessee, United States, 37247
Research Technician – Term Biological Sciences – Lea Lab job at Vanderbilt University. Nashville, TN. A technician position is available in the Lea Lab, which is housed within the Department of Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt University. Research in the Lea Lab sits at the intersection of evolutionary biology, genomics, and human health research. The work focuses on gene regulatory mechanisms that connect socioecological variation with health. Most of this work is conducted with human populations in Kenya and Malaysia, with some projects focusing on model systems such as immortalized human cell lines and non‑human primates. The technician’s duties will include basic molecular biology laboratory techniques, such as DNA and RNA sample extraction, library preparation for high‑throughput sequencing, cell culture, transfection, and transformation; the technician will also oversee day‑to‑day logistics in the wet lab, including purchasing, sample and supply organization, shipping and receiving, ensuring equipment is maintained, communicating protocols and safety guidelines to lab members, and providing support for ongoing projects.
Duties and Responsibilities Generate genomic datasets
Extract DNA and RNA from biological samples
Generate and QC libraries for high‑throughput sequencing (e.g., RNA‑seq, DNA‑seq, RRBS, or ATAC‑seq libraries)
Assist with ongoing projects in the lab using massively parallel reporter assays; these protocols require mammalian cell culture, transformation, and transfection
Maintain a detailed lab notebook
Organization
Maintain a detailed and up‑to‑date database of laboratory protocols
Maintain a detailed and up‑to‑date database of supply ordering
Maintain a detailed and up‑to‑date database of biological sample storage and oversee biological sample organization
Assist other lab members with finding, using, and returning archived biological samples to freezers
Daily Lab Operations
Assist in collaborative efforts with other team members, laboratories, and/or institutions; train grad students, postdocs, and undergraduate trainees on specific protocols as needed
Oversee daily operations with respect to equipment maintenance, ordering and supplies, safety procedures, and training
Troubleshoot equipment and maintain as needed according to manufacturer and university guidelines
Evaluate, negotiate, and purchase standard supplies and equipment
Perform light administrative duties when asked, for example helping with permits, data and file management, or paperwork related to projects in the lab
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree in biology, genetics, or a related field from an accredited institution of higher education (required)
A minimum of 1 year of laboratory technician or other laboratory work experience (required)
Comfortable with Microsoft Office, Google Drive apps, and other word processing or spreadsheet applications (required)
Comfortable with learning new applications for organizing samples, orders, etc. (required)
Extreme attention to detail and organizational abilities (required)
Ability to function independently as well as part of a team (required)
Ability to maintain a detailed lab notebook (required)
Knowledge of basic aseptic technique and molecular techniques (e.g., PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis, DNA/RNA extractions) (required)
Experience in a genomics or molecular biology laboratory (required)
Experience with tissue culture (preferred)
Experience with high‑throughout sequencing library preparation (preferred)
Supervisory Relationships This position does not have supervisory responsibility; it reports administratively to the Department Administrative Manager and functionally to Dr. Amanda Lea.
About Us At Vanderbilt University, our work—regardless of title or role—is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt has been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" and a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice. We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story. Vanderbilt University is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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Duties and Responsibilities Generate genomic datasets
Extract DNA and RNA from biological samples
Generate and QC libraries for high‑throughput sequencing (e.g., RNA‑seq, DNA‑seq, RRBS, or ATAC‑seq libraries)
Assist with ongoing projects in the lab using massively parallel reporter assays; these protocols require mammalian cell culture, transformation, and transfection
Maintain a detailed lab notebook
Organization
Maintain a detailed and up‑to‑date database of laboratory protocols
Maintain a detailed and up‑to‑date database of supply ordering
Maintain a detailed and up‑to‑date database of biological sample storage and oversee biological sample organization
Assist other lab members with finding, using, and returning archived biological samples to freezers
Daily Lab Operations
Assist in collaborative efforts with other team members, laboratories, and/or institutions; train grad students, postdocs, and undergraduate trainees on specific protocols as needed
Oversee daily operations with respect to equipment maintenance, ordering and supplies, safety procedures, and training
Troubleshoot equipment and maintain as needed according to manufacturer and university guidelines
Evaluate, negotiate, and purchase standard supplies and equipment
Perform light administrative duties when asked, for example helping with permits, data and file management, or paperwork related to projects in the lab
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree in biology, genetics, or a related field from an accredited institution of higher education (required)
A minimum of 1 year of laboratory technician or other laboratory work experience (required)
Comfortable with Microsoft Office, Google Drive apps, and other word processing or spreadsheet applications (required)
Comfortable with learning new applications for organizing samples, orders, etc. (required)
Extreme attention to detail and organizational abilities (required)
Ability to function independently as well as part of a team (required)
Ability to maintain a detailed lab notebook (required)
Knowledge of basic aseptic technique and molecular techniques (e.g., PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis, DNA/RNA extractions) (required)
Experience in a genomics or molecular biology laboratory (required)
Experience with tissue culture (preferred)
Experience with high‑throughout sequencing library preparation (preferred)
Supervisory Relationships This position does not have supervisory responsibility; it reports administratively to the Department Administrative Manager and functionally to Dr. Amanda Lea.
About Us At Vanderbilt University, our work—regardless of title or role—is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt has been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" and a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice. We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story. Vanderbilt University is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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