Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center : Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt’s mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.Organization:PMI Molecular PathogenesisJob Summary:A Lab in the department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology is currently seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant I to join our team. Our lab is focused on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria, viruses, and yeast through diagnostic testing and working in the field of clinical trials with the ultimate goal of developing new strategies for prevention and treatment.The ideal candidate for this position will have a bachelor’s degree in microbiology, immunology, or a related field, with experience in laboratory techniques such as bacterial culture, antibiotic susceptibility testing, or molecular biology. An interest in bacteriology and molecular techniques is required. Clinical laboratory experience and/or certification (e.g., ASCP or similar) is not required, but an advantage. Knowledge of aseptic techniques, bacterial culture methods, pipetting, molecular methods is preferred.Our lab offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with opportunities for both professional development and career advancement. Strong organizational, computer, and communication skills with both the ability to work independently and as part of a team are essential for success in this role.The Research Assistant I performs research and technical duties in the laboratory by working with the Laboratory Manager and Senior Research Specialist who are the clinical/technical resources for this position and other research assistants. The Research Assistant I will work independently under direct supervision to ensure assigned tasks are performed according to protocols developed by developed by Principal Investigator and/or sponsored protocolsKey Functions and Expected Performances:Execute clinical researchPerform antimicrobial susceptibility testing according to laboratory protocols and best practicesPerform bacterial subcultures, and maintain frozen bacterial stocksPerform advanced techniques in clinical microbiology (e.g., enzymatic methodologies, synergy testing) following protocolsPerform testing on novel diagnostic platforms for infectious diseases following sponsor protocolsElevate complex challenges to Laboratory Manager, Sr. Research Specialist, and/or PIMaintain diligent records of research performed, including quality control dataManage research dataCompile research data for review by Laboratory Manager, Sr. Research Specialist, and/or PI Fill out electronic data capture sheets according to sponsor protocols Manage supplies for assigned projects, alerting Laboratory Manager when supplies are low or needed Ensure quality assurance in all experiments performed by evaluating quality control results and identifying out-of-control resultsPreferred Education, Skills, and Experiences:
Bachelor’s degree required in microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, or a related field is required
Knowledge for Good Clinical Practice (GCP) preferred, but not required initially
Background in clinical microbiology (either industry, hospital or public-health based) is preferred
Experience with diagnostic testing, molecular techniques, and aseptic techniques are required
Excellent computer skills, the ability to work independently, trouble-shoot, and excellent inter-personal skills are required
This is an entry level position
Additional Information:
This is a full-time position; hours are typically days, Monday – Friday, with flexibility in hours.
Background screens will be performed, and education will be verified prior to employment. Please be prepared to provide required information and/or documentation.
Our Academic Enterprise is one of the nation’s longest serving and most prestigious academic medical centers. Through its historic bond with Vanderbilt University and integral role in the School of Medicine, Vanderbilt Health cultivates distinguished research and educational programs to advance a clinical enterprise that provides compassionate and personalized care and support for millions of patients and family members each year.World-leading academic departments and comprehensive centers of excellence pursue scientific discoveries and transformational educational and clinical advances across the entire spectrum of health and disease.Aligning with Vanderbilt Health’s Strategic Directions , the Office of Research provides shared research resources, administrative expertise and professional guidance to enable the trans-disciplinary environment and highly collaborative culture that advances discovery and training for all the research faculty, trainees, students and staff.Core Accountabilities:Organizational Impact: Delivers job responsibilities that impact own job area/team with some guidance. Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Uses existing procedures, research and analysis to solve standard job related problems that may require some judgement. Breadth of Knowledge: Requires subject matter knowledge within a professional area to meet job requirements. Team Interaction: Individually contributes to project/ work teams.Core Capabilities :Supporting Colleagues: - Develops Self and Others: Continuously improves own skills by identifying development opportunities.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Seeks to understand colleagues priorities, working styles and develops relationships across areas. - Communicates Effectively: Openly shares information with others and communicates in a clear and courteous manner. Delivering Excellent Services: - Serves Others with Compassion: Invests time to understand the problems, needs of others and how to provide excellent service. - Solves Complex Problems: Seeks to understand issues, solves routine problems, and raises proper concerns to supervisors in a timely manner. - Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Listens carefully to understand the issues and provides accurate information and support. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Checks work quality before delivery and asks relevant questions to meet quality standards.- Ensures Continuous Improvement: Shows eagerness to learn new knowledge, technologies, tools or systems and displays willingness to go above and beyond. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Demonstrates basic knowledge of conditions that affect safety and reports unsafe conditions to the appropriate person or department. Managing Resources Effectively :- Demonstrates Accountability: Takes responsibility for completing assigned activities and thinks beyond standard approaches to provide high-quality work/service. - Stewards Organizational Resources: Displays understanding of how personal actions will impact departmental resources. - Makes Data Driven Decisions: Uses accurate information and good decision making to consistently achieve results on time and without error. Fostering Innovation: - Generates New Ideas: Willingly proposes/accepts ideas or initiatives that will impact day-to-day operations by offering suggestions to enhance them.- Applies Technology: Absorbs new technology quickly; understands when to utilize the appropriate tools and procedures to ensure proper course of action. - Adapts to Change: Embraces changes by keeping an open mind to changing plans and incorporates change instructions into own area of work.Position Qualifications:Responsibilities:Certifications :Work Experience :Relevant Work ExperienceExperience Level :Less than 1 yearEducation :Bachelor'sVanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.