We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled research assistant to join our team. If you are passionate about neuroscience, have experience working with mice, and thrive in a collaborative research environment, we encourage you to apply.

The Research Assistant position is a combination of science and administrative responsibilities. You will work closely with a team of graduate students and postdocs and play a crucial role in supporting our research endeavors by conducting a variety of experimental procedures including histology, operant behavior, optogenetics, and fiber photometry. You will also be required to manage several administrative duties such as placing orders, keeping inventory, etc.

This position is ideally suited for an individual who seeks to acquire research experience before applying to graduate school.

The Calipari laboratory is a cutting-edge neuroscience research lab dedicated to advancing our understanding of neural processes involved in decision making and addiction. We are located within the pharmacology department and members of the Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research (VCAR) as well as the Vanderbilt Brain Institute (VBI).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under moderate supervision, conduct and evaluate experiments and assays.

• Understand and follow experimental protocols (includes animal handling).

• Record, compile, interpret and communicate data.

• Follow the institution’s safety protocols.

• Perform calculations involving molarity, % solutions, and serial dilutions.

• Prepare reagents.

• Mouse colony maintenance (genotyping, breeding, weaning, euthanasia, husbandry).

• Collect and prepare tissue for histology (perfusions, cryostat, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy).

• Craniotomies (viral injections and fiber implants).

• Conduct optogenetics and fiber photometry experiments.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology or related field.

• Laboratory experience preferred.

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

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.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.