A Research Technician position is open to provide support to the Meiler Lab. The role will perform administrative, research, and technical duties of the laboratory. The primary responsibility will be production of proteins for biophysical and functional studies. The individual will work closely with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and the laboratory manager in a dynamic laboratory environment. The ability to function independently as well as part of a team is critical. Excellent organizational and communications skills (both verbal and written) are essential, as is attention to detail. 

 

About the Work Unit:

Research in the Meiler laboratory seeks to fuse computational and experimental efforts to investigate proteins, the fundamental molecules of biology, and their interactions with small molecule substrates, therapeutics, or probes. A major developer of both the Rosetta biomolecular modeling suite and the Biology and Chemistry Library, our collaborative and multi-disciplinary lab has a particular interest in development of new software-based methods for investigating biological problems of therapeutic relevance, including antibody & antigen design, membrane receptor modeling, and prediction & design of protein/small molecule interactions.

 

Duties and Responsibilities: (including but not limited to) Assist in Research and Development. 

 

Preparation of buffers and reagents Production of vectors for protein expression Bacterial overexpression of protein Mammalian overexpression of protein (optional) Protein purification Writing and updating laboratory protocols as needed Perform, interpret and evaluate research Perform test experiment procedures relating to laboratory activities Assemble and compile research data for presentation and/or publication Assist in collaborative efforts with other institutions and/or industry Maintenance of laboratory equipment including FPLC Shipment of purified proteins to collaborators Proper storage and maintenance of protein stocks Participate in weekly and bimonthly meetings to discuss project progress  Ensure the most effective operation of the laboratory  Maintain procedures manual Maintain chemical inventory Maintain an inventory of supplies Website maintenance Update laboratory program website using existing platforms Ensure website contains current information Other tasks as directed by supervisor

 

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities. This position reports functionally to the wetlab Research Assistant Professor, the Principal Investigator, and administratively to the lab Program Manager.

 

Qualifications:

Education: B.S. in Chemistry or other related science field Experience working in a research lab is necessary Experience working with students and faculty is preferred  Experience in E. coli transformation, protein expression and bacterial cell culture is preferred Experience in mammalian cell culture preparation and maintenance for protein expression is desired Experience in purification of proteins by both bench top and automated chromatographic methods is desired

 

Skills:

Molecular biology and biophysics experience is preferred Effective communicator The ability to function independently as well as part of a team is critical.  Excellent organizational  and communications skills (both verbal and written) are essential, as is attention to detail. 

 

This is a full-time position; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday. Salary is dependent upon education and experience. 

 

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 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.

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.