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The Vanderbilt Center for Stem Cell Biology (VCSCB) reports to the Dean of the Basic Sciences in the School of Medicine. This unit facilitates scientific communication between member faculty and oversees the operations of two fee-for-service based core facilities, the Vanderbilt Genome Editing Resource (VGER) and Creative Data Solutions (CDS).  VGER currently supports over one hundred laboratories at Vanderbilt in the production and use of genetically altered mice and seeks to expand its already substantial scientific impact through the development and performance of services related to the production, genetic modification, and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cell lines.

Key Functions and Expected Performances:

Scientific Research and Experimental Design (40%) 

• Design, develop, and execute genome engineering and stem cell research projects
• Apply CRISPR/Cas genome editing, transposase systems, and related genome engineering approaches to generate genetic modifications 
• Design and implement genome editing strategies in human pluripotent stem cells and mouse models
• Derive, maintain, genetically modify, and validate human pluripotent stem cell lines
• Establish, optimize, and perform directed differentiation protocols for the generation of pancreatic beta cells and other lineage-specific cell types
• Identify emerging technologies that improve the efficiency, quality, and sophistication of VGER services

Cellular and Molecular Studies (40%) 

• Perform advanced mammalian cell culture, stem cell culture, genome editing, molecular biology, and cellular characterization techniques
• Conduct PCR, DNA preparation, genotyping, gene expression analysis, and other molecular assays
• Characterize pluripotency, differentiation status, and genome integrity of cell lines
• Maintain high-quality experimental standards and ensure reproducibility of scientific result

Research Communication and Laboratory Operations (20%) 

• Prepare project summaries, technical reports, standard operating procedures, and documentation related to VGER services
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with institutional, regulatory, and safety requirements 
• Present research findings during laboratory, center, and collaborator meetings
• Contribute to scientific manuscripts, grant applications, presentations, and collaborative publications 
• Collaborate effectively with investigators and research staff across multiple scientific disciplines. 
• Assist with laboratory organization, equipment maintenance, and reagent management
• Provide technical guidance to trainees and laboratory personnel 

Supervisory Relationships:

Reporting directly to the Associate Director of VGER, the Staff Scientist serves as an integral member of a highly collaborative team. The Scientist is expected to function independently while closely communicating and cooperating with other laboratory personnel and research collaborators. The position does not include direct supervisory responsibilities but may provide technical guidance and mentorship to trainees and laboratory personnel.

Education and Certifications:

Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a closely related biomedical discipline. 

Experience and Skills:

• Minimum of two (2) years of cell culture and maintenance experience with undifferentiated human embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells is strongly preferred. 
• Experience with directed differentiation of iPSCs is strongly preferred.
• Experience performing CRISPR/Cas systems, donor template design, and clonal cell line generation is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of developmental biology, stem cell biology, and cellular differentiation is strongly preferred.
• Basic knowledge of mouse genetics and husbandry is preferred.
• Molecular biology skills including tissue culture, PCR, generation and purification of DNA is strongly preferred.
• Strong experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting skills is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment is required.
• Strong organizational skills, time management skills, and attention to detail is preferred.