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Robotics Research Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Vanderbilt University

Research Asst I

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

The Research Assistant is part of the Mechanical Engineering Department in the Dong Lab at ... The Dong Lab develops innovative medical devices and robotic technologies for challenging clinical ...

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Robotics Research Assistant information

What does a robotics research assistant do?

A Robotics Research Assistant typically supports research projects by helping design, build, and test robotic systems. They often assist with programming robots, collecting and analyzing data from experiments, and collaborating with researchers or engineers. Their responsibilities may also include conducting literature reviews, preparing reports, and maintaining laboratory equipment. This role is important in advancing robotics technology and innovation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a robotics research assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Robotics Research Assistant, you need a solid background in robotics, computer science, or engineering, with experience in programming languages like Python or C++ and a relevant degree. Familiarity with robotics platforms (such as ROS), simulation tools (like Gazebo or MATLAB), and data analysis software is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration and communication skills help you contribute meaningfully to research projects. These skills and qualities are vital for efficiently advancing robotics research, troubleshooting complex systems, and working successfully within interdisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges faced by robotics research assistants during experimental testing and data collection?

Robotics Research Assistants often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting hardware malfunctions, ensuring consistent experimental setups, and managing large datasets for analysis. Because robotics experiments can be sensitive to environmental variables, maintaining repeatability and documenting procedures are crucial. Collaboration with other team members, such as engineers and programmers, is essential to quickly resolve issues and keep projects on track. Developing strong problem-solving skills and adaptability is key to overcoming these challenges and contributing effectively to research goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Robotics Research jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Robotics Research jobs in Tennessee are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Robotics Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Robotics Research Assistant job openings:

Robotics Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Robotics Research Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Research Asst I

Nashville, TN • On-site

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

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Learn more about Vanderbilt Universityexternal

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

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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