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Vanderbilt University

Research Technician, Term - Biological Sciences (McMahon) Lab

Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States, 37247

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Research Technician, Term - Biological Sciences (McMahon) Lab

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Research Technician, Term - Biological Sciences (McMahon) Lab

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Vanderbilt University Neurobiology lab is seeking a motivated Research Technician to support ongoing NIH‑funded research in a diverse and energetic lab environment. Experience with general lab procedures and documentation is preferred. Skills in CRISPR‑Cas9 mutagenesis and cell culture desirable. The Research Technician is part of the McMahon laboratory in the Department of Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt University and is an integral member of our research team responsible for maintaining laboratory supplies and an orderly laboratory environment, preparation of reagents, and providing research support for laboratory personnel. This position requires attention to detail, accuracy in reagent preparation, good analytical, organizational and communication skills. Reporting directly to Dr. Doug McMahon, the principal investigator, the Research Technician will work with other laboratory members to apply cellular, molecular, genetic and behavioral approaches to understanding fundamental mechanisms of circadian photoperiod influence on depression and motivated behaviors (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Perturbations in circadian clock function and sleep contribute to a number of human diseases, including neuropsychiatric disorders, metabolic disease and obesity, and cancer. The Department of Biological Sciences has an excellent staff to facilitate issue resolution involving personnel, financial management, supply and equipment orders, proposal submission, and infrastructure. The faculty in the department carry out diverse research projects and often collaborate with other members within the department and in nearby departments. This department covers a broad spectrum of biology, from molecules and cells to tissues and organisms to populations and ecosystems. Award‑winning faculty and graduate students teach and carry out research in Biochemistry, Structural Biology and Biophysics, Cell Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Computational Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, Developmental Biology, and Neurobiology. The position is full‑time and is a term position, with renewal contingent on funding and performance. Duties and Responsibilities

Cell culture of cell lines with circadian reporter genes for studying molecular circadian rhythms DNA/RNA/protein extraction and quantification Gene expression assays by qRT-PCR CRISPR‑Cas9 mutagenesis Tissue culture of brain slices or dispersed brain cells Fluorescence and bioluminescence microscopy and use of ImageJ to quantify imaging data Preparation of laboratory stocks, buffer reagents and media Ordering reagents through the university procurement system Cleaning laboratory glassware and reusable plasticware Adherence to University safety protocols Maintenance of laboratory equipment Maintenance of laboratory stocks and inventory Presentation of research at laboratory meetings Maintenance of electronic records and hard copies of data Assistance with training of new laboratory members as skill set advances Other duties as assigned Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree with a major in Biological Sciences, Neuroscience, Chemistry or related discipline Attention to detail Accuracy in reagent preparation Analytical, organizational and communication skills Ability to work on a collaborative team Previous experience working in a lab (preferred) Supervisory Responsibilities: This position may have supervisory responsibility as skills develop and new researchers join the laboratory. It reports functionally to Dr. Doug McMahon and administratively to the departmental Administrative Manager. Seniority level

Entry level Employment type

Full‑time Job function

Research, Analyst, and Information Technology Industries

Higher Education

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