Analysis Skills, Assay Development, Assays, Biochemistry, Biomedicine, Cell Biology, Cell Cultures, Communication Skills, DNA, DNA Replication, Data Analysis, Documentation, Drug Discovery, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, Experiment Design, Genomics, Identify Issues, Laboratory Equipment, Laboratory Operations, Maintain Compliance, Maintenance Services, Mentoring, Molecular Analysis, Molecular Biology, Operational Communications, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Protein Purification, Publications, Quantitative Analysis, Record Keeping, Replication and Remote Mirroring, Research Laboratory, Safety Compliance, Scientific Research, Small Molecules, Team Player, Technical Leadership, Writing Skills
Key Functions and Expected Performances:
Scientific Research and Experimental Design (50%)
- Design, execute, and optimize biochemical experiments to characterize protein function and evaluate small molecule modulators.
- Express and purify recombinant proteins for biochemical and enzymatic studies.
- Develop and optimize quantitative biochemical assays to support compound discovery and characterization.
- Analyze experimental data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and recommend future experimental directions.
Cellular and Molecular Studies (30%)
- Perform mammalian cell culture experiments to evaluate the cellular activity of candidate compounds.
- Conduct molecular and biochemical analyses, including immunoblotting and other standard cell biology techniques.
- Perform assays to investigate DNA replication, genome stability, and cellular responses to replication stress.
- Integrate biochemical and cellular data to support target validation and mechanism-of-action studies.
Research Communication and Laboratory Operations (20%)
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with institutional laboratory safety and research policies.
- Present research findings during laboratory meetings and collaborative discussions.
- Contribute to manuscripts, technical reports, and grant-related documentation.
- Collaborate effectively with investigators and research staff across multiple scientific disciplines.
- Assist with laboratory organization, equipment maintenance, and reagent management.
Supervisory Relationships:
This position reports directly to the Principal Investigator. The Scientist is expected to function independently while working collaboratively with laboratory personnel and research collaborators. The position does not include direct supervisory responsibilities but may provide technical guidance and mentorship to trainees and junior laboratory personnel.
Education and Certifications:
Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a closely related biomedical discipline.
Experience and Skills:
- Minimum of four (4) years of postdoctoral research experience in DNA replication, replication stress responses, genome stability, or a related field.
- Extensive experience in protein biochemistry and recombinant protein purification is required.
- Expertise in enzymatic assay development and quantitative biochemical analysis is required.
- Experience with mammalian cell culture is required.
- Proficiency in immunoblotting and standard molecular biology techniques is required.
- Experience in performing DNA replication or genome stability assays is required.
- Strong experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting skills is required.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills is required.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment is required.
- Experience with small molecule discovery or characterization is preferred.
- Familiarity with drug discovery workflows or assay development is preferred.
- Knowledge of genome maintenance, DNA repair, or replication stress pathways is preferred.
- Experience with fluorescence-based biochemical assays or quantitative screening methods is preferred.
- Strong publication records in peer-reviewed scientific journals is preferred.
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.