Research Assistant - Part Time

Position Summary:
The Lab Assistant role is part of the Biomedical Engineering work unit within the Vanderbilt
University School of Engineering. This part-time position, with potential to increase to full-time
later, supports the SMILE Lab, directed by Dr. Ruogu Fang, by managing the operational,
regulatory, and administrative functions of the lab's research portfolio. The candidate will work
closely with the principal investigator and lab members to coordinate meetings, prepare and
maintain IRB applications, support research participant recruitment, and manage grant, fiscal,
and data documentation. The position requires strong organizational and communication skills,
close attention to detail, and a proactive approach to managing multiple concurrent projects and
deadlines.
 

About the Work Unit:
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.
 

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Organizes and coordinates lab and center meetings, including scheduling, preparing
  agendas, taking minutes, and following up on action items
• Provides day-to-day project management support across multiple concurrent research
  studies, tracking timelines, milestones, and deliverables
• Prepares, submits, and maintains IRB applications, amendments, and continuing reviews
  to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance
• Coordinates research participant recruitment, screening, and scheduling in accordance
  with approved study protocols
• Prepares and organizes grant documents, including progress reports, subaward
  materials, and submission packages
• Manages fiscal aspects of lab accounts, including monitoring expenditures, reconciling
  accounts, and preparing financial summaries
• Assists with budgeting and budget projections for current and proposed research projects
• Manages research data, including organization, quality control, and secure storage in
  accordance with data management plans
• Coordinates communication with collaborators, sponsors, and external partners on behalf
  of the lab
• 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.
 

Education and Certifications

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
• Degrees in Public Health, Health Administration, Business Administration, Biomedical
  Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related fields are preferred.
   

Experience and Skills:

• A professional attitude, high level of motivation, initiative and good work ethic is required.
• 1-2 years minimum experience in research coordination, clinical research, project
  management, or a related administrative role.
• Experience with IRB submissions, amendments, and regulatory compliance is strongly
  preferred.
• An ability to manage budgets, track expenditures, and prepare financial and fiscal
  documentation is required.
• Strong organizational skills and an ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and
  deadlines 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.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, experience with research participant
  recruitment, and proficiency with data management tools and standard office software
  (Microsoft Office, Excel) are strongly preferred.

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.