Research Assistant – Part Time

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

. Coordinate routine laboratory organization and shared-space upkeep, including cleanup schedules, supply checks, waste/trash handling, freezer upkeep, and follow-up with lab members .

Posted 10/21/2026part-timeNashville • Tennessee • United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong organizational skills and attention to detail in laboratory operations, including equipment coordination, inventory management, and compliance with safety protocols. Capable of effectively communicating and supporting human-participant research while maintaining accurate records and documentation.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Laboratory OperationsEquipment CoordinationInventory ManagementHuman-Participant Research SupportSafety Compliance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Laboratory OrganizationChemical Inventory ManagementSDS DocumentationCell Culture MaintenanceEquipment CalibrationBiohazard Waste ManagementSchedulingDocumentation ManagementTraining and OrientationPurchasing Documentation

Soft Skills

Attention to DetailTime ManagementClear CommunicationDependable Follow-ThroughProfessional Communication

Certifications & Qualifications

Completion of Vanderbilt-Required Safety TrainingCompletion of Compliance Training

Industry Keywords

Research LaboratoryUniversity SettingLaboratory OperationsHuman-Participant ResearchCell Culture

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Coordinate routine laboratory organization and shared-space upkeep, including cleanup schedules, supply checks, waste/trash handling, freezer upkeep, and follow-up with lab members
Support laboratory safety administration by maintaining chemical inventory and SDS documentation, updating safety materials, coordinating inspections and certifications, and reminding lab members of procedures
Coordinate routine equipment administration, including monitoring repair needs, maintaining manuals and warranties, arranging calibrations and certifications, and helping identify locations for new equipment
Perform or coordinate upkeep of shared cell-culture and laboratory support areas, including checking LN2 and CO2 supplies, arranging gas orders, cleaning water pans/water baths/incubators, preparing autoclaved water, managing biohazard waste, and coordinating freezer defrosting, biosafety cabinet certification, filter changes, and pipette calibration
Maintain the PDMS work area and supplies; replenish materials; and orient new users after appropriate training
Maintain shared laboratory records and knowledge resources, including lab wiki/OSF pages, onboarding and offboarding instructions, software and facility-access guidance, project links, and presentation archives
Review lab/group meeting notes, capture decisions and action items, distribute follow-up summaries, maintain shared trackers and calendars, and follow up on open operational items
Archive presentations and relevant links and periodically collect presentation information from lab members
Support human-participant research by monitoring participant communications, maintaining scheduling pipelines and study calendars, responding to routine inquiries using approved materials, assisting with scheduling and documentation, and routing adverse-event information
Order and restock routine laboratory and office supplies, maintain simple inventory information, and prepare purchasing or service documentation for supervisory review
Provide other administrative and operational support that improves laboratory efficiency, documentation, communication, and continuity

Requirements

What you’ll need

High school diploma or GED is necessary; an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience is acceptable consistent with Vanderbilt policy
Completion of Vanderbilt-required safety, compliance, and role-specific training is required before independently performing applicable laboratory or human-research support activities
Demonstrated organization, attention to detail, time management, and clear written and verbal communication
Ability to work reliably and independently on recurring tasks, follow written procedures, maintain accurate records, communicate professionally with students/staff/participants, and work on site at least one day per week
Experience in customer service, administrative support, inventory/restocking, scheduling, training or orienting others, or another role requiring dependable follow-through is preferred
Experience in a research laboratory, university setting, laboratory operations, research administration, cell culture, equipment coordination, or human-participant research is preferred but not required
Willingness and ability to learn laboratory-specific systems and procedures is strongly preferred
Associate degree in biology, animal science, biomedical science, engineering, or a related field is preferred
Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, biomedical science, engineering, or a related field is strongly preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Part-time schedule of approximately 10–20 hours per week and fewer than 30 hours per week
Hybrid schedule
Professional learning and growth opportunities with Vanderbilt University