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Research Assistant Animal Science Jobs in Tennessee

Vanderbilt University

Research Asst I

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Animal Study Coordination: * Coordinate small-animal studies and large-animal studies with ... scientists, veterinarians, clinicians, students, and external partners are required. * Strong ...

New

Meharry Medical College

Research Assistant

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

The research assistant will directly assist PI and PI lab and able to work with cell culture, processing clinical specimens and animal studies. This person must have adequate wet lab (ELISA ...

Vanderbilt University

Research Assistant

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Conduct scientific experiments for multiple research projects within the DelGiorno Lab * Read and ... Experience with animal handling and/or husbandry is preferred but not required. * Experience with ...

Vanderbilt Health

Research Asst 2 - On Site

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

... animal care, data collection, and general lab operations. This position has a strong emphasis on ... World-leading academic departments and comprehensive centers of excellence pursue scientific ...

Vanderbilt Health

Research Assistant 1

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

This environment brings together clinicians, basic scientists, engineers and statisticians in close ... animal handling, tissue culture, etc.) Compile and communicate results to supervisor Follow ...

Vanderbilt University

Research Assistant

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

The Research Assistant II is a vital support position within the Peredo Lab in the Department of ... Degree in fields such as Psychology, Special Education, Communication Sciences, Human Development ...

Mercer University

$24.04/hr

Research Assistant We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Research Assistant to join our ... Qualifications : - Currently enrolled in the PhD program in Rural Health Sciences - Strong ...

Mercer University

$24.04/hr

Research Assistant We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Research Assistant to join our ... Qualifications : - Currently enrolled in the PhD program in Rural Health Sciences - Strong ...

Vanderbilt Health

Research Assistant II

Nashville, TN

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

... animal handling, tissue culture, etc.) Record, compile, interpret, and communicate data/results ... World-leading academic departments and comprehensive centers of excellence pursue scientific ...

Vanderbilt University

Research Assistant

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

The Research Assistant will support research, writing, and editing for the Institute. The ideal ... A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required. (e.g., Political Science, International ...

Vanderbilt Health

Research Assistant II

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

... animal handling, tissue culture, etc.) • Record, compile, interpret, and communicate data/results ... World-leading academic departments and comprehensive centers of excellence pursue scientific ...

Vanderbilt Health

Research Assistant 3 - ON SITE

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

... animal handling, tissue culture, etc.) • Record, compile, interpret, and communicate data/results ... World-leading academic departments and comprehensive centers of excellence pursue scientific ...

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Research Assistant Animal Science information

What is a research assistant animal science?

Research Assistant Animal Science jobs involve supporting scientific studies and experiments related to animals, such as their nutrition, genetics, health, and behavior. These professionals assist in data collection, laboratory work, animal care, and analysis under the supervision of senior scientists or professors. They may work in academic institutions, government agencies, or private industry, helping advance knowledge in animal biology and agriculture. The role requires attention to detail, ethical treatment of animals, and strong organizational skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research assistant animal science?

To thrive as a Research Assistant in Animal Science, you need a background in animal biology, laboratory techniques, and data analysis, often supported by a bachelor's degree in animal science or a related field. Familiarity with lab equipment, statistical software (such as SPSS or R), and compliance with animal care protocols (like IACUC certification) is typically required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate data collection, ethical animal handling, and effective collaboration on research projects.

What are some typical challenges research assistants animal science face when working with live animals?

Research Assistants in Animal Science often encounter challenges such as ensuring animal welfare while collecting accurate data, adhering to strict ethical and safety protocols, and managing the variability in animal behavior. Balancing hands-on animal care with research tasks can be demanding, especially during time-sensitive experiments. Additionally, working collaboratively with veterinarians, researchers, and technicians requires strong communication skills to maintain high standards of animal care and data integrity.

What is the difference between Research Assistant Animal Science vs Research Technician Animal Science?

AspectResearch Assistant Animal ScienceResearch Technician Animal Science
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Animal Science or related fieldAssociate's degree or relevant experience, sometimes a bachelor's
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, farms, research facilitiesFieldwork, laboratories, animal care settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, research institutionsResearch labs, agricultural companies, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and job dutiesClarifying job responsibilities and career paths

Research Assistant Animal Science typically requires a bachelor's degree and involves assisting with research projects in labs or field settings. Research Technician Animal Science may require less formal education but focuses on technical tasks and animal care. Both roles support research activities in similar environments, but the Research Assistant often has more academic responsibilities, while the Research Technician emphasizes technical and operational tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Research Assistant Animal Science jobs in Tennessee?

For Research Assistant Animal Science jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Assistant Animal Science jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Assistant Animal Science jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Research Assistant Animal Science jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Research Assistant Animal Science job openings:

Research Assistant Animal Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Assistant Animal Science job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Hybrid job distribution.

Research Asst I

Nashville, TN • On-site

Vanderbilt University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

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Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

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$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description


Position Summary:
The Research Assistant is part of the Mechanical Engineering Department in the Dong Lab at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for evaluating airway medical devices in small- and large-animal models.
The Research Assistant will plan, coordinate, and execute preclinical studies that assess device performance, usability, safety, and biological response in the airway. Responsibilities include developing test methods and study plans; preparing devices, fixtures, and instrumentation; supporting procedures under approved animal-use protocols and veterinary oversight; acquiring and analyzing physiological, imaging, and device-performance data; maintaining complete study records; and communicating results to the research team. The Assistant will collaborate with faculty, veterinarians, surgeons, research staff, students, and external partners to translate prototypes toward clinically relevant validation.
About the Work Unit:
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Vanderbilt University advances research and education in biomedical devices, mechatronics and control, advanced manufacturing, rehabilitation engineering, surgical and soft robotics, nanoscience, and aerospace engineering. The Dong Lab develops innovative medical devices and robotic technologies for challenging clinical applications. This position will support the lab's airway-device program by connecting engineering design with rigorous preclinical evaluation in close partnership with veterinary and clinical collaborators.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
The Research Assistant will perform complex technical and operational duties to ensure safe, reproducible, and well-documented preclinical testing. Responsibilities include:
  • Preclinical Study Planning: translate research objectives into testable endpoints, study plans, acceptance criteria, schedules, equipment lists, and data-collection procedures for small- and large-animal studies.
  • Animal Study Coordination:
    • Coordinate small-animal studies and large-animal studies with veterinary staff, clinical collaborators, core facilities, and the principal investigator.

Support study activities only under current IACUC-approved protocols, institutional policies, required training, and direction from qualified veterinary or clinical personnel.
  • Prepare procedure rooms, devices, sterile supplies, airway models, imaging systems, sensors, ventilation-related equipment, and emergency backup equipment before each study.
    • Assist with airway-device placement and evaluation, bronchoscopy or other imaging workflows, physiologic monitoring, specimen handling, and post-procedure activities within the individual's training and authorized role.
  • Medical Device Engineering and Testing: design or modify prototypes, fixtures, delivery systems, and instrumentation; develop bench and ex vivo tests that inform animal studies; troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, fluidic, imaging, and software interfaces; and document device configuration and verification results.
  • Data, Quality, and Documentation: acquire synchronized device, imaging, video, and physiological data; maintain traceable study records; analyze results using appropriate statistical and engineering methods; prepare figures, reports, presentations, and protocol materials; and contribute to design reviews, risk assessments, manuscripts, grant reports, and regulatory-facing documentation.

Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the lab faculty member, Dr. Xiaoguang Dong.
Education and Certifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a closely related field from an accredited institution is required; a master's degree is preferred.

Experience and Skills:
  • At least 1 year of work experience is preferred, but not required so long as the list of requirements below can be met.
  • Knowledge of animal-research compliance, IACUC protocols, biosafety, sterile technique, and humane study practices is required or must be acquired through Vanderbilt training before independent work.
  • Ability to develop clear test methods, follow controlled procedures, maintain accurate records, and troubleshoot complex experiments is required.
  • Proficiency with data analysis and technical documentation is required; experience with MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, ImageJ, CAD, or equivalent engineering tools is preferred.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, scientists, veterinarians, clinicians, students, and external partners are required.
  • Strong organizational, time-management, critical-thinking, safety-awareness, and problem-solving skills are necessary.
  • Ability to work flexibly around scheduled animal procedures, including occasional early mornings, evenings, or extended study days, is required.
  • Demonstrated experience with medical-device development, experimental engineering, or preclinical research is required; experience with both small- and large-animal studies is strongly preferred.
  • Experience preparing and operating test instrumentation, sensors, imaging systems, data-acquisition hardware, and custom mechanical or mechatronic prototypes is preferred.
  • Experience with airway procedures, bronchoscopy, intubation, ventilation, anesthesia monitoring, or respiratory physiology in a research or clinical environment is strongly preferred.
  • Experience in an academic research, regulated product-development, or quality-managed laboratory setting is preferred.

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.

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