Research Assistant, Pharmacology

Job DescriptionJob Description The Research Assistant position is a combination of science and administrative responsibilities. The individual will perform a variety of on-campus laboratory support services. Under supervision, the person hired for this position will perform routine maintenance on equipment, maintain supplies and stock them throughout common equipment areas, walk spaces and identify issues needing to be addressed, respond to faculty and resource users' requests for help, work with the leadership to resolve problems, assist with training on common equipment, place chemical waste requests and assist in other laboratory and research functions. Duties and Responsibilities Research Support Assists with maintaining equipment rooms to meet the needs of lab personnel for optimal use. Places work orders with VUMC FM and VU Plant Ops for repairs and miscellaneous requests. Assists with key requests and distribution. Maintains supplies and stock as needed. Communicates routinely (on a daily to weekly basis) with leadership. Maintains quality control documents. Assists with gathering necessary information/quotes. Follows University safety protocols. Assists with the communication of these protocols to lab personnel (may include use of combustibles, biohazardous materials, and/or radioactivity). Maintain inventory supplies, placing orders where necessary. Assists lab personnel with protocol and the logistics of equipment purchases. Knowledgeable of the vendors to contact and the process from the start of the purchase to the final installation. Optimizes the utilization of the equipment and maintains equipment which may include centrifuges, microscopes, scintillation and other radioactive counters, shaking incubators, autoclaves, imagers, etc. Checks all equipment daily for required service needs on instruments. Becomes familiar with Animal protocols and compliance. Assists with laboratory animal care as needed such as care of mice. Interacts with lab personnel frequently to discuss concerns they or their lab members may be having with equipment, facilities maintenance issues, or other concerns, and formulates and executes a plan to resolve issues. Administrative Support Submit Purchase Order requisitions as needed via Oracle platform. Process reimbursement request and OneCard transactions including reconciling division purchasing/procurement transactions. Assists with events and visitors. Other duties as assigned by the Department of Pharmacology Chair or Department Manager.List of duties and responsibilities Other duties as assigned QualificationsEducation and Certifications: A Bachelor's degree in a laboratory science-based discipline from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary. Experience and Skills: At least two years of directly related experience working in a scientific lab is preferred. Familiarity with scientific equipment is necessary. Proficient in Excel. Highly motivated. Experience working in a team-based organization is preferred. Ability to clearly communicate ideas and concerns is preferred. Takes ownership and complete miscellaneous tasks identified in real-time. About Us At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice. We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story. 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.

Created: 2026-03-04