About The Role

Discover Vanderbilt Health : With eight hospitals and over 180 clinics, we are the region’s largest comprehensive academic health system. Vanderbilt Health has a long tradition of providing world-class care to the people of the Mid-South, living out our mission of moving medicine forward through preeminent programs in patient care, education and research. Here you’ll find a spirit of collaboration and a supportive community where your expertise is valued, your knowledge expanded and your uniqueness celebrated. We are committed to fostering an environment where talented, compassionate people are united in bringing the most advanced care to our neighbors throughout the region.

Organization

Pediatric Genetics

Job Summary

In your pivotal role as Research Assistant I, you will support rare disease and genomic medicine research within the Undiagnosed Diseases Network at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. You will focus on processing human biological samples, performing DNA/RNA extraction, maintaining human cell cultures, and conducting basic molecular biology techniques such as PCR and gel electrophoresis under the guidance of experienced researchers. Additionally, you will maintain laboratory records, manage specimen inventories, and ensure compliance with laboratory safety and research protocols. You are the ideal if you are a recent graduate or early-career scientist seeking hands-on experience in molecular genetics, cell biology, and translational biomedical research. While experience is not required, experience in the following is helpful!

REQUIRED

Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent experience)
At least one year of experience is preferred

You will work on site at the Vanderbilt Medical Center East in the North Tower located at 1211 21st Ave. S. in Nashville, TN and your schedule will be Monday-Friday, traditional daytime business hours.

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

Monroe Carell is a national leader in genetic care and research. Our place at the forefront of discovery allows us to quickly bring research results to patient care. We diagnose, counsel and treat patients with a wide range of genetic disorders, birth defects and developmental concerns.

Learning you or your child may have a genetic disorder can be difficult. Our genetic counselors are here to help. We will discuss your family history with you, and can inform you about risks of a genetic condition using lab tests. If we diagnose a genetic condition, we help you understand the disorder and provide resources.

For more information, please visit https://pediatrics.vumc.org/about-department-pediatrics .

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Biological Sample Processing & Biobanking (35%)

Process human blood, tissue, and other biological specimens according to established laboratory protocols.
Isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and lymphocytes from whole blood samples.
Extract, quantify, aliquot, label, and store genomic DNA and RNA for research use.
Organize, track, and maintain research specimen inventories and long-term sample storage.

Cell Culture & Molecular Biology Research Support (35%)

Establish and maintain lymphoblastoid and other human cell lines used in rare disease research.
Perform routine mammalian cell culture activities, including feeding, passaging, freezing, thawing, and viability monitoring.
Conduct basic molecular biology procedures such as PCR and gel electrophoresis.
Prepare laboratory media, buffers, reagents, and stock solutions to support ongoing experiments.

Documentation, Data Management & Quality Control (20%)

Maintain accurate written and electronic records of experiments, specimens, and laboratory procedures.
Update databases, spreadsheets, and specimen-tracking systems to ensure data integrity.
Follow established protocols to ensure reproducibility, accuracy, and compliance with research standards.
Support quality control activities through detailed recordkeeping and sample documentation.

Laboratory Operations, Compliance & Team Collaboration (10%)

Maintain laboratory supplies, monitor inventory levels, and assist with routine equipment maintenance.
Adhere to laboratory safety, biosafety, and human specimen-handling requirements.
Protect confidential research and participant information in accordance with institutional guidelines.
Collaborate effectively with laboratory staff, investigators, and members of the Undiagnosed Diseases Network research team.

Work Experience

Relevant academic research, laboratory coursework, internships, or volunteer experience may be considered in lieu of professional experience. Experience with molecular biology techniques, cell culture, human specimen processing, and laboratory recordkeeping is preferred but not required.

Experience Level

Less than 1 year

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field

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 Experience

Experience Level

Less than 1 year

Education

Bachelor's

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.

Vanderbilt 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.