Jobs for People with MS: National MS Society

The Research Assistant is part of the Biomedical Engineering work unit within the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering. The position is responsible for participating in experiments investigating the neural basis of cognitive functions, animal care, maintaining equipment stock, and basic grant/administrative duties.

The position will participate in experiments, evaluate and analyze experimental data in alignment with the lab’s core function. It will assist with administrative duties with Standard Operating Procedures and other forms required by the department, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and veterinarian staff.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt is unique among biomedical engineering programs in its immediate proximity to the world class Vanderbilt Medical Center, located on our compact campus. Our School of Medicine is among the top ten in funding from the National Institutes of Health and includes a National Cancer Institute-recognized Comprehensive Cancer Center, a major children’s hospital and a Level I trauma center. This proximity and the strong relationships among faculty across multiple schools stimulate high impact research and provide unique educational and research opportunities for students.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Completes animal handling and clearance requirements as necessary

• Daily care of laboratory animals, including administration of medicine as directed by veterinary staff

• Able to perform behavioral training and data capture as outlined in the experiment and within stipulations of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocol

• Prepare and assist with any and all procedures listed in the IACUC protocols

• Complete animal-associated paperwork in a timely and accurate fashion; review records frequently to avoid errors

• Maintain clear communication and establish trust with veterinary and care staff

• Understand protocols and follow guidelines consistently; with guidance when necessary

• Understand the function of each procedure with safe and efficient performance

• Request laboratory equipment and supplies as needed

• Assist in the analysis of experimental data

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required.

• A professional attitude, high level of motivation, initiative and good work ethic is required.

• The ability to maintain quality and safety standards is required.

• The ability to understand and follow complex, detailed technical instructions is required.

• Strong communication skills and collaboration are required.

• Courses in Animal Handling and Training are preferred.

• Higher education experience is strongly preferred.

• The ability to work independently with a high level of self-motivation is preferred.

• The ability to learn new skills quickly is preferred.

• Adaptability to ever changing projects and people is preferred.

• Computer and database skills are preferred.

• Hands-on experience in behavioral training and procedures involving non-human primates is preferred.

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.

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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, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.