This position is part of the Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (WCNDD) at Vanderbilt University where traditional academic pursuits in basic science are extended to advance our understanding of human disease and drug targets to directly impact patient care.

The position calls for a motivated biological scientist to join the Molecular Pharmacology group within the WCNDD. The Pharmacology team is responsible for conducting high-throughput screening assay of small molecule modulators of GPCRs, ion channels, and kinases. This includes development of target protein cell lines and pharmacological assay to lead and support all molecular pharmacology activities. This position is a key contributor to support the Center’s goal of developing therapeutics, specifically for central nervous system disorders. Successful candidates will interface with members among all areas of the WCNDD, including those in molecular pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, and in vivo rodent pharmacology.

Duties and Responsibilities:

We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The Molecular Pharmacology Research Assistant Senior we seek is a person with these qualifications.

• Perform in vitro pharmacological experiments independently or under moderate supervision.

• Conduct high-throughput cell-based screening assays using fluorescent-based plate kinetic readers in support of characterizing GPCR- and ion-channel targeted small molecule drugs.

• Conduct high-throughput TR-FRET screening assays in support of developing selective kinase inhibitors.

• Operate multi forms of liquid handling equipment, and automation units.

• Maintain mammalian cell lines used in the screening assays.

• Develop stable cell lines specific to new target proteins.

• Perform molecular biology experiments involving preparation and analysis of DNA/RNA and Protein samples.

• Train junior research associates in pharmacological assay, equipment operation/maintenance, and data analysis.

• Contribute to the effective operation of the lab by ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with VEHS biological and chemical safety requirements.

• Write up pharmacological assay protocols applicable to assigned tasks.

• Analyze data to determine the efficacy and potency of the compounds using data analysis software.

• Maintains accurate databases and experimental notebooks of results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 4 plus years of relevant working experience or Master’s degree (MS) with 2 years of relevant work experience.

• Degree in biology, biochemistry, or pharmacology is necessary.

• A minimum 3 years’ experience in mammalian cell culture is necessary.

• Hands-on experience of plasmid preparation, transfection, and Western Blotting.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, excellent data analysis capabilities, and proficiency with curve fitting and graphing programs are essential.

• Good documentation practices with excellent organization and attention to detail

• Self-motivated team player with the ability to thrive in a fast paced, dynamic, multi-disciplinary, matrixed 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.