Research Assistant - Part Time

• 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.