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Provide, under direct supervision, this individual is expected to set up, conduct experiments and support cancer research projects/studies in the Holowatyj Laboratory and Team. The Research Assistant is expected to follow protocols, including the appropriate recording of data and reporting of standard or variant results, as well as all regulations for human subjects for research. This position will also assist in other laboratory and research functions, including daily laboratory operations. This individual will be expected to perform research laboratory techniques and procedures in molecular biology using patient-derived cancer organoid model systems, as well as support routine processing of human-derived materials in the laboratory. This position will provide support for specified research projects; collect, assess, and communicate data/results. Assist in general laboratory operation and inventory.

• Under supervision, run experiments, assays, and record results
• Read and follow experimental protocols (May include animal handling, tissue culture, organoid models, cell lines, etc.)
• Compile and communicate results to supervisor
• Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, radioactivity, toxic material, and/or carcinogens) and prepare/maintain laboratory safety documents required to be maintained and available internally and for laboratory safety authorities.
• Perform calculations involving molarity, % solutions, and serial dilutions
• Prepare and operate equipment in experimental procedures
• Perform biospecimen processing and storage procedures
• Assure research information is collected and stored in a manner that is compliant with regulations/policies and good clinical practice
• Maintain Holowatyj Laboratory Biorepository and Laboratory inventories with awareness and attention to the requirements for accuracy, completeness and timeliness. Attend to query resolution in a timely manner.
• Perform ongoing checks of biospecimen aliquot data that has been entered into the Biorepository database
• Read and follow all equipment manuals.
• Transport and procure biospecimen/tissues
• Perform packaging and ships study specimens (blood, urine, etc.) to the sponsor or laboratory in accordance with sponsor and shipping guidelines and regulations, maintaining appropriate documentation
• Procure equipment and supplies needed to fulfill laboratory requirements
• May 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 consistently prepared for experiments and specimen processing in a timely manner
• Maintain inventories,
• Maintain sterile conditions as required
• Coordinate activities and gathers information from a variety of sources to achieve Laboratory goals and outcomes
• Prepare reagents
• Clean equipment.
• Assist the Principal Investigator in the development of Laboratory protocols
• Supervise, mentor and train new or junior research staff/interns
• With direction, perform or instruct others in performing procedures for research as they are described in Laboratory protocols
• Conveys a basic knowledge and understanding of policies, procedures, and regulations governing human subjects research and incorporates them in the conduct of laboratory research
• Collaboratively participate in study team meetings. Maintain open and positive communications with investigators, participants, co-workers, other departments and sponsors
• Actively identify and participate in training, education, and development activities to improve own knowledge and performance to sustain and enhance professional development. Pursue avenues to continue education (i.e., in-services, seminars, etc.)
• Demonstrate initiative for continuous learning, both self-directed and as evidenced by attendance of educational and professional development opportunities. Actively seek new learning opportunities, seeing learning as part of work

Department Summary:

The Division of Epidemiology is committed to conducting research to enhance and expand our understanding of the distribution and determinants of disease, to promoting collaboration aimed at the translation of research into cost-effective strategies of disease prevention and health care delivery, and to training independent investigators in epidemiology research and disease prevention.

Work hours: Monday - Friday, daytime business hours

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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 of individuals 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. It is a place where your diversity -- of culture, thinking, learning and leading -- is 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. Vanderbilt's mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.

VUMC Recent Accomplishments

Because we are committed to providing the best in patient care, education and research, we are proud of our recent accomplishments:

* US News & World Report: #1 Adult Hospital in Tennessee and metropolitan Nashville, named to the Best Hospitals Honor Roll of the top 20 adult hospitals, 10 nationally ranked adult specialty programs, with 3 specialties rated in the top 10 nationally, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt named as one of the Best Children's Hospital in the nation, with 10 out of 10 pediatric specialties nationally ranked.

* Healthcare's Most Wired: Among the nation's 100 "most-wired" hospitals and health systems for its efforts in innovative medical technology.

* Becker's Hospital Review: named as one of the "100 Great Hospitals in America", in the roster of 100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs and to its list of the 100 Hospitals with Great Heart Programs.

* The Leapfrog Group: One of only 10 children's hospitals in the to be named at Leapfrog Top Hospital.

* American Association for the Advancement of Science: The School of Medicine has 112 elected fellows

* Magnet Recognition Program: Received our third consecutive Magnet designations.

* National Academy of Medicine: 22 members, elected by their peers in recognition of outstanding achievement

* Human Rights Campaign Healthcare Equality Index: 6 ^th year in a row that Vanderbilt University Medical Center was a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality.