Research Assistant 2

Discover Vanderbilt Health: With eight hospitals and over 180 clinics, we are the region’s largest comprehensive academic health system. Vanderbilt Health has a long tradition of providing world-class care to the people of the Mid-South, living out our mission of moving medicine forward through preeminent programs in patient care, education and research. Here you’ll find a spirit of collaboration and a supportive community where your expertise is valued, your knowledge expanded and your uniqueness celebrated. We are committed to fostering an environment where talented, compassionate people are united in bringing the most advanced care to our neighbors throughout the region.

Organization:

Infectious Disease - Admin 30

Job Summary:

Under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant II supports the day-to-day operations of the ECHO Biorepository by following established protocols to receive, process, track, store, and distribute biological specimens while ensuring the integrity and accuracy of associated data and inventory records. The position is responsible for maintaining biorepository operations, including specimen accessioning, freezer management, inventory reconciliation, and documentation of standard and variant results in accordance with institutional procedures and quality standards.

Please note that this position is focused exclusively on biorepository operations and does not involve wet-bench or laboratory-based research activities.

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Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience working in a biorepository, biobank, clinical laboratory, healthcare operations environment, or other setting involving biological specimen management.
• Experience with specimen receipt, accessioning, inventory control, chain-of-custody documentation, and shipping/receiving processes.
• Working knowledge of biological sample handling, including proper labeling, cold-chain management, freeze-thaw considerations, and specimen integrity best practices.
• Experience maintaining accurate records in a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), inventory database, or other electronic tracking systems.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to quickly learn new software applications and perform accurate data entry.
• Experience with barcode scanning systems, electronic specimen tracking, and inventory reconciliation processes.
• Familiarity with ultra-low temperature freezers, liquid nitrogen storage systems, freezer alarms, temperature monitoring, and backup storage procedures.
• Knowledge of biosafety practices, including bloodborne pathogen precautions and safe handling of human biological specimens.
• Understanding of applicable regulations and best practices related to the shipment and transport of biological materials.
• Experience following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and maintaining accurate documentation in a regulated or quality-controlled environment.
• Strong attention to detail with a demonstrated ability to identify and resolve discrepancies in inventory, specimen records, and shipment documentation.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with research, laboratory, and operations teams.
• Ability and willingness to perform hands-on work that may include lifting and transporting specimen storage containers, working with dry ice and liquid nitrogen, and supporting after-hours or weekend operational needs as required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Under moderate supervision, conduct and evaluate experiments and assays
• Understand and follow experimental protocols (may include animal handling, tissue culture, etc.)
• Record, compile, interpret, and communicate data/results
• Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, radioactivity, toxic material, and/or carcinogens)
• Perform calculations involving molarity, % solutions, and serial dilutions
• Prepare, operate and troubleshoot equipment in experimental procedures
• Read and follow all equipment manuals
• Maintain and repair equipment according to manufacturer and University guidelines
• Ensure Laboratory is prepared for experiments
• Maintain inventories
• Maintain sterile conditions as required
• Prepare reagents
• Demonstrate an understanding of acceptable procedures and techniques
• Recognize problems and suggest solutions
• Assist in modifications as directed
• Provide appropriate written documentation of experiments
• Prepare preliminary research progress reports
• Summarize test results appropriately

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

Our Academic Enterprise is one of the nation’s longest serving and most prestigious academic medical centers. Through its historic bond with Vanderbilt University and integral role in the School of Medicine, Vanderbilt Health cultivates distinguished research and educational programs to advance a clinical enterprise that provides compassionate and personalized care and support for millions of patients and family members each year.

World-leading academic departments and comprehensive centers of excellence pursue scientific discoveries and transformational educational and clinical advances across the entire spectrum of health and disease.

Aligning with Vanderbilt Health’s Strategic Directions, the Office of Research provides shared research resources, administrative expertise and professional guidance to enable the trans-disciplinary environment and highly collaborative culture that advances discovery and training for all the research faculty, trainees, students and staff. 

Core Accountabilities:

Organizational Impact: Executes job responsibilities with the understanding of how output would affect and impact other areas related to own job area/team with occasional guidance. Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Analyzes moderately complex problems using technical experience and judgment. Breadth of Knowledge: Has expanded knowledge gained through experience within a professional area. Team Interaction: Provides informal guidance and support to team members.

Core Capabilities :

Supporting Colleagues:- Develops Self and Others: Invests time, energy, and enthusiasm in developing self/others to help improve performance e and gain knowledge in new areas.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Maintains regular contact with key colleagues and stakeholders using formal and informal opportunities to expand and strengthen relationships.- Communicates Effectively: Recognizes group interactions and modifies one's own communication style to suit different situations and audiences. Delivering Excellent Services:- Serves Others with Compassion: Seeks to understand current and future needs of relevant stakeholders and customizes services to better address them.- Solves Complex Problems: Approaches problems from different angles; Identifies new possibilities to interpret opportunities and develop concrete solutions.- Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Provides ongoing support and coaching in a constructive manner to increase employees' effectiveness. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Engages regularly in formal and informal dialogue about quality; directly addresses quality issues promptly.- Ensures Continuous Improvement: Applies various learning experiences by looking beyond symptoms to uncover underlying causes of problems and identifies ways to resolve them. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Understands all aspects of providing a safe environment and performs routine safety checks to prevent safety hazards from occurring. Managing Resources Effectively: - Demonstrates Accountability: Demonstrates a sense of ownership, focusing on and driving critical issues to closure.- Stewards Organizational Resources: Applies understanding of the departmental work to effectively manage resources for a department/area.- Makes Data Driven Decisions: Demonstrates strong understanding of the information or data to identify and elevate opportunities. Fostering Innovation:- Generates New Ideas: Proactively identifies new ideas/opportunities from multiple sources or methods to improve processes beyond conventional approaches.- Applies Technology: Demonstrates an enthusiasm for learning new technologies, tools, and procedures to address short-term challenges.- Adapts to Change: Views difficult situations and/or problems as opportunities for improvement; actively embraces change instead of emphasizing negative elements.

Position Qualifications:

Responsibilities:

Certifications :

Work Experience :

Relevant Work Experience

Experience Level :

2 years

Education :

Bachelor's

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.

Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity.  EOE/Vets/Disabled.