Research Assistant I – Pulmonary Hypertension at Vanderbilt University Medical Center

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 ofindividuals 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 uniquenessis 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. Vanderbilts mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care education and research.Organization:Allergy Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicineJob Summary:Provide under direct supervision support for specified research projects; collect assess and communicate data/results. Assist in general laboratory operation and inventory.Our lab studies pulmonary hypertension which is a debilitating disease that causes vasoconstriction of the pulmonary vasculature along with subsequent right-sided heart failure. We are dedicated to studying the molecular mechanisms behind disease progression and aim to target these mechanisms using various therapies with the hopes of helping our patients live better more fulfilling lives. More specifically we are interested in glucose insulin and lipid metabolism and repurposing metabolic drugs to treat pulmonary hypertension. We are a translational lab which provides us the unique opportunity to see projects grow through preclinical to clinical trial phases..GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIESMouse colony care including breeding weaning litters addressing colony health concerns recordkeeping learning and following institutional regulations and adequately preparing for regulatory inspectionsPerforming procedures for mouse experiments which will include injections blood collection osmotic drug pump placement and dissections with opportunities to learn advanced surgical techniquesExperimental monitoring which will include monitoring mice under various experimental conditions assessing health condition and appropriate reporting monitoring weights to ensure regulatory compliance feeding mice experimental diets and ensuring accurate monitoring of food and water intake. This may include occasional weekend work.Performing basic lab skills such as DNA RNA and protein isolation ELISAs protein quantitation quantitative RT-PCR and western blottingPerforming general housekeeping duties such as washing lab dishes autoclaving supplies emptying biohazard trash stocking inventory and general lab organizationHuman blood processing for clinical trials which includes knowledge of biohazard risk ability to safely handle potentially infectious samples operation of a centrifuge pipetting aliquots and accurately tracking sample numbers and locations. This may include arranging work schedule to align with patient availability.Under supervision run experiments assays and record resultsRead and follow experimental protocols (May include animal handling tissue culture etc.)Compile and communicate results to supervisorFollow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles radioactivity toxic material and/or carcinogenics)Perform calculations involving molarity % solutions and serial dilutionsPrepare and operate equipment in experimental proceduresMay include blood gas analyzer centrifuge pH meter spectrophotometer autoclave scintillation counter electrophoresis unit analytical balance etc.Maintain and repair equipment according to manufacturer and university guidelines.Ensure Laboratory is prepared for experimentsMaintain inventoriesMaintain sterile conditions as requiredPrepare reagentsClean equipmentDepartment Summary:Welcome to the Division of Allergy Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Our mission is to:Deliver world-class clinical care to patients with allergic diseases pulmonary conditions and critical illness through employing a collaborative multi-disciplinary approachLead in the development of cutting-edge patient-focused research that extends from basic discoveries to clinical implementationProvide state-of-the-art education and training to inspire and nurture the next generation of leaders in allergy and immunology pulmonary and critical care medicine and interventional pulmonologyThis position is not eligible for sponsorshipOur Academic Enterprise is one of the nations 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 HealthsStrategic Directions the Office of Research providesshared research resourcesadministrative expertiseand professional guidance to enablethetrans-disciplinary environment and highly collaborative culture that advances discovery and training forall 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 :BachelorsVanderbilt Health is committed tofosteringan environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled. Key Skills Laboratory Experience,Spss,Data Collection,DNA Isolation,Stata,Biochemistry,Qualitative Research Interviewing,Research Experience,Statistical Software,Molecular Biology,Research Laboratory Experience,Western Blot Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1