The Research Assistant is part of the Chen lab in the Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics (MPB) at Vanderbilt University and is responsible for assisting the Principal Investigator in various aspects of research and management. The research responsibilities of this position include but not limited to the generation and maintenance of epigenetically modified cancer cell lines. The managerial responsibilities include lab organization.   

The Chen lab consists of a culturally diverse team of postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and Research assistants.  The lab is very collaborative both within and outside. It is part of MPB and the Vanderbilt Diabetes Research and Training Center.

  Duties and Responsibilities
Generation and maintenance of epigenetically modified cancer cell lines  Maintain various cancer cell lines. Design and construct sgRNA expression vectors. Transfection and lentivirus production. Identify and characterize epigenetically modified cells by bisulfite conversion, PCR, qRT-PCR, and sequencing. 

Lab Management

Ordering and maintenance of research supplies. Lab organization  Biosafety and chemical safety compliance. 

 

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related fields is preferred

Strong organizational/record keeping/problem solving preferred

The ability to follow instructions and to work independently within a team. 

Experience with molecular techniques and cell culture. 

Experience with microinjection and/or microscopic imaging is a plus.