Research Assistant III- PMI

This is a full-time/non-exempt term position lasting six months to one year.

Job Summary:

We seek an enthusiastic Research Assistant III for our antimicrobial resistance laboratory at VUMC, in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology. The laboratory focuses on antimicrobial resistance in bacteria and yeast, and diagnostic test development.

Department Summary :

The Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology at Vanderbilt has a long and rich history of excellence in teaching, clinical service, and research. Our collaborative efforts in personalized medicine in cancer, pharmacogenomics and the creation of Diagnostic Management Teams are at the "leading edge" of a revolution in the practice of pathology. The department lives and breathes our mantra that we are a "laboratory of the whole" for defining the future of pathology. We are committed to taking a leadership role in both basic and translational research in these areas of focus .

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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.

Key Responsibilities :

• Performing experiments independently with minimal supervision, following training in sponsor protocols
• Organizing bacterial isolate and specimen stocks
• Coordinating shipping of bacteria and specimens for sponsored projects

A strong background in bacteriology and experience with molecular techniques is required. Clinical laboratory experience and/or certification (e.g., ASCP or similar) is not required, but an advantage. Advanced knowledge of aseptic techniques, bacterial culture methods, pipetting, molecular methods is required. Excellent organizational and computer skills required.

The Research Assistant III performs research and technical duties in the laboratory and working with the Senior Scientist who is the clinical/technical resource for this position. The Research Assistant will work independently to ensure assigned tasks are performed according to sponsor protocols and/or protocols developed by PI.

Key Functions and Expected Performances:

1. Execute clinical research
   1. Perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing according to laboratory protocols and best practices
   2. Perform bacterial subcultures, and maintain frozen bacterial stocks
   3. Perform advanced techniques in clinical microbiology (e.g., enzymatic methodologies, synergy testing) following protocols
   4. Perform testing on novel diagnostic platforms for infectious diseases following sponsor protocols
   5. Elevate complex challenges to Senior Scientist and/or PI
   6. Maintain diligent records of research performed, including quality control data
2. Manage research data
   1. Compile research data for review by Senior Scientist and PI
   2. Fill out electronic data capture sheets according to sponsor protocols
   3. Manage supplies for assigned projects, alerting Senior Scientist when supplies are low
   4. Ensure quality assurance in all experiments performed by evaluating quality control results and identifying out-of-control results

Preferred Education, Skills, and Experiences:

• Bachelor's degree and 4 years of relevant experience required (either research or clinical laboratory). Prefer at least 1 of the 4 years of experience to be in a clinical microbiology lab.
• Background in clinical microbiology (either industry, hospital or public-health based)
• Experience with diagnostic testing
• Experience with molecular techniques
• Excellent computer skills
• Ability to work independently, trouble-shoot
• Excellent inter-personal skills

Note: A Term position is a staff position that exists for a period longer than six months but is not expected to last beyond one year. Although a position may exist for a specified or indefinite period, staff who accept term positions are not employed for the entire period; they are employed for indefinite periods within the limit of the appointment. There are no guarantees of continued employment, either within the term or when the term ends.