Sr. Research Specialist

Your Role:  

We are seeking a highly-motivated individual towork on a research project to unlock the regenerative potential of the retina.Most of the work is done with mice and molecular, cellular, and genetictechniques are used. You will work with the PI to plan experiments, analyzedata, and prepare materials for publication. You will also work with others torun experiments, collect and analyze data, and assist in general laboratoryoperations.

Preference will be given to applicants withdemonstrated skills in some or all of the following areas: molecular biology(DNA, RNA, protein); immunohistology; microscopy and imaging; mouse genetics;mouse husbandry; tissue culture; tissue dissociation, cell sorting. Experiencewith ophthalmic techniques in mice is a plus but not required.

Perform research of a highly complex nature.Lead research projects and perform near to totally independent research.Exercise discretion and independent judgment to develop design of research totest hypotheses. Devise new or modify existing methods and develop proceduresto meet new conditions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently oversee research projects and perform near to totally independent research.
• Supervise, plan, design and implement research projects
• Establish protocol(s); define data collection, evaluation and analysis procedures
• Exercise discretion and independent judgment to develop methods and procedures for operation of complex scientific equipment
• Supervise set-up and operation of various scientific experiments involving complex apparatus and equipment
• Contribute to research so as to merit serving as author or co-author on research publications, etc.
• Assist principal investigator in preparation of grant applications and contract proposals
• Present research findings as needed
• Responsible for plan and coordination of literature and library searches and data collection programs
• Develop reports of results, graphs, charts, tables, etc. of research findings
• Supervise writing, reviewing and editing of various materials for publication
• Provide supervisory responsibility to staff
• Train and supervise technical staff, medical and graduate students
• Provide technical guidance to students, post-doctoral fellows and faculty as required
• Provide budget responsibility
• Make recommendations to principal investigator regarding staff, supply and equipment needs for research projects
• May monitor expenditures of funds
• Maintain open communication between department and others
• Open contact as needed with principal investigator, collaborating professionals, Purchasing, Human Resource Services, Space and Facilities Planning, asset management personnel, Environmental Health and Safety, Institutional Review Board staff, administrative staff relating to budget capabilities
• Contact as required with sponsoring agencies and/or cooperating facilities (e.g. V.A.), collaborating professionals and vendors

Position Shift:

Days; Varied

Department/UnitSummary:

At the Vanderbilt Eye Institute, we strive to make lifebetter for adults and children with eye conditions including glaucoma, visionloss and diseases of the retina. We treat patients from across Tennessee andthe Southeast. Our doctors, researchers and support staff use the latesttechnologies and methods, and we conduct vital vision research that translatesto better treatments.

The Vanderbilt Eye Institute is aleader in quality eye care. We offer the latest technologies and methodswhile conducting innovative research to improve patients' lives and preventvision loss.

We work hard each day because your eyes areimportant to us.

The Vanderbilt Eye Institute attractssome of the most talented doctors and researchers in the country. Oursubspecialty ophthalmologists have completed a minimum of one year of fellowship training after residency and are boardeligible or board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Vanderbilt Eye Institute'saward-winning research staff collaborates with our doctors as well as otherVanderbilt departments to pursue discoveries that enhance the vision ofpatients everywhere.

Clickhere to learn how we are: Defining Personalized Care

Discover VanderbiltUniversity Medical Center:

Locatedin Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching,discovery and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals whocome to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a placewhere your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded and your abilitieschallenged. It is a place where your diversity — of culture, thinking, learningand leading — is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know theyare part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride intheir work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt’s mission is to advancehealth and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, andresearch.

VUMC RecentAccomplishments:

Becausewe are committed to providing the best in patient care, education and research,we are proud of our recent accomplishments:

·    US News & World Report: #1 Hospital inTennessee, #1 Health Care Provider in Nashville, #1 Audiology (BillWilkerson Center), 9 adult and 9 pediatric clinicalspecialties ranked among the nation's best, #15 Education and Training

·    Truven Health Analytics: among the top 100hospitals in the US

·    Becker's Hospital Review: one of the"100 Greatest Hospitals in America"

·    The Leapfrog Group: grade"A" in Hospital Safety Score

·    National Institutes of Health: among the top 10grant awardees for medical research in the US

·    American Association for the Advancement ofScience: 12 facultymembers elected fellows in 2014

·    Magnet Recognition Program: Vanderbilt nursesare the only group honored in Middle Tennessee

·    Nashville Business Journal: MiddleTennessee's healthiest employer

·    American Hospital Association: among the 100"Most Wired" medical systems in the US

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