Research Assistant bei Vanderbilt University

The Research Assistant role is part of the Biomedical Engineering work unit within the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering. The position is responsible for assisting and supporting ongoing research in the Gonzales Lab. The projects broadly focus on using state-of-the-art electrode arrays to study the neural basis of behavior and learning. The candidate will work closely with PhD students and the principal investigator to ensure the successful execution of experiments, data collection, and data processing. Specifically, the researcher will aid in training rodents in learning paradigms, building experimental rigs, developing analytical pipelines, and maintaining animal colonies. The position requires performing animal procedures daily with precise timing, accurately documenting the procedures, and using methods that strictly adhere to an approved animal protocol. In some cases, the researcher will also be responsible for training laboratory members in specific methodologies.

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

• Understand and follow the approved animals’ procedures.

• Maintain animal colonies

• Perform daily behavioral training of rodents, document progress, and collect relevant data

• Build and maintain experimental apparatuses, including behavioral training platforms and recording rigs

• Assist in collecting neurophysiological data

• Develop, document, and maintain analytical pipelines for behavioral and neurophysiological data

• Train other laboratory members in key functions such as behavioral training and analytical analyses

• Provide weekly progress updates

Supervisory Relationships: This position does not have supervisory responsibility. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Professor. 

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required.  A degree in the sciences or engineering (i.e. Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Psychology, etc.) is preferred.

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

• One year of minimum experience is required (experience in undergraduate research and design projects is acceptable).

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

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

• Strong communication skills and collaboration are required.

• Higher education experience is strongly preferred.

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

• An ability to learn new skills quickly is preferred.

• Adaptability to ever changing projects and people is preferred.

• Computer and database skills are preferred.

Company