Research Assistant

Research Assistant

The Research Assistant role is part of the Biomedical Engineering work unit within the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering. This part-time position supports the Vanderbilt Center on Intelligent Imaging (VCII) and the SMILE Lab by providing data analytics, software maintenance, and operational coordination. The candidate will work closely with the principal investigator and lab members to maintain research infrastructure, coordinate lab activities, and support the dissemination of research outputs. The position requires strong organizational and technical skills, an ability to work independently, and a proactive approach to managing multiple concurrent responsibilities.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt is unique among biomedical engineering programs in its immediate proximity to the world class Vanderbilt Medical Center, located on our compact campus. Our School of Medicine is among the top ten in funding from the National Institutes of Health and includes a National Cancer Institute-recognized Comprehensive Cancer Center, a major children's hospital and a Level I trauma center. This proximity and the strong relationships among faculty across multiple schools stimulate high impact research and provide unique educational and research opportunities for students.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains and updates lab software tools, pipelines, and computing environments to support ongoing research projects
• Performs data analytics tasks including processing, visualization, and quality control of biomedical datasets
• Coordinates lab meetings, including scheduling, preparing agendas, taking notes, and following up on action items
• Manages and maintains the lab website, ensuring content is current, accurate, and professionally presented
• Supports grant administration tasks including tracking deadlines, organizing documentation, and coordinating submissions
• Coordinates communication with collaborators, visitors, and external partners on behalf of the lab
• Tracks lab resources, equipment, and supplies, and assists with procurement and inventory management
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the operational and research goals of the lab

Supervisory Relationships: This position does not have supervisory responsibility. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Professor.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required. Degrees in Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Data Science, Information Systems, or related fields are preferred.
• A professional attitude, high level of motivation, initiative and good work ethic is required.
• 1 year minimum experience in a research, data analytics, or technical coordination role.
• An ability to maintain quality and safety standards is required.
• An ability to understand and follow complex, detailed technical instructions is required.
• Strong communication skills and collaboration are required.
• Higher education experience is strongly preferred.
• An ability to work independently with a high level of self-motivation is preferred.
• An ability to learn new skills quickly is preferred.
• Adaptability to ever changing projects and people is preferred.
• Proficiency with data analytics tools (Python, R, or similar) and web content management systems is strongly preferred.

Required Skills

• Assisting Investigators
• Data Capture - VU
• Quality Control - VU
• Research Ethics - VU
• Research Methodologies - VU
• Research Support

About Us

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.