The Department of Cell and Developmental Biology is a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment for cutting-edge research spanning from single molecules to whole organisms. By focusing on the spatiotemporal organization of molecules, cells, and tissues in many laboratories within our department, we seek insights into fundamental biological questions and human disease. We are an interactive and highly collaborative department, with a strong graduate student association, outstanding core facilities, a top- ranked developmental biology program, and exceptionally strong faculty. Recent faculty recruits are studying single-molecule analysis of signaling, computational biology of different cell types, organs, and organisms, stem cell biology, and the regulation of plasma membrane composition and aging. 

Position Summary: 

The Research Technician position is part of the research group of Dr. Guoqiang Gu in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine. This Research Technician will be responsible for conducting basic research on diabetes. Reporting directly to, and under the supervision of, Dr. Gu and lab manager Ruiying Hu, the Research Technician is expected to perform basic procedures in cell/RNA preparation, tissue fixation/sectioning/antibody staining, imaging, gene expression analysis, and physiological studies primarily in islet culture and mouse models. 

The specific roles of this position include, but are not limited to: mouse handling, cell preparation from dissected tissues, RNA preparation, computational analysis of gene expression using ImageJ. This Research Technician is also expected to help with mouse colony management, tissue collection, tissue fixation, sectioning, and immunostaining. The candidate who fills this position is expected to accurately observe, record, and then report the findings to Dr. Gu and/or Manager Hu. Motivations to move up to a higher level of more independent projects are also expected. 

Key Functions and Expected Performance: 

• Under minimal-to-moderate supervision of Dr. Gu and/or Hu, this Research Technician is expected to do: 

• Mouse colony management, including cross setup and genotyping. 

• Tissue collection and sectioning, followed by immuno-staining and imaging. 

• Islet picking and preparation of single-cell suspension. 

• RNA and DNA preparation from tissues/cells. 

• Basic gene expression analyses using immunofluorescence images with Image J. 

• Collaboration with different personnel in the laboratory according to different daily needs. 

Supervisory Relationships: 

• This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to Dr. Gu and manager Hu. 

Education and Certifications: 

• A BA/BS or equivalent degree in biology is necessary. 

Experience and Skills: 

• Basic familiarity with biological specimen handling and processing is needed. 

• The basic computer skills to use common word/imaging programs is needed. 

• Specific experience working with mice is strongly preferred. 

• The ability to use “R” for gene expression analysis is a plus. 

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.