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Scientific Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

IntePros

Scientific Lab Technician

Knoxville, TN · On-site

The ideal candidate has a strong scientific foundation, thrives in a fast-paced laboratory ... Participate in investigations related to laboratory discrepancies and assist with problem-solving ...

UCB

$134K/yr

The MSL will provide scientific exchange, contribute insights to medical strategies, and drive ... Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and ...

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All JobsScientific JobsScientific Assistant JobsScientific Assistant Jobs in Tennessee

Scientific Assistant information

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How much do scientific assistant jobs pay per month?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average monthly pay for scientific assistant in Tennessee is $5,070.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $3,196.25 and $6,224.33 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Scientific Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectScientific AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in science or related fieldAssociate degree or diploma in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, government agenciesHospitals, research labs, industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageResearch projects, scientific studies, academiaSample analysis, equipment maintenance, routine testing
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level scientific rolesOften compared for technical laboratory support roles

The Scientific Assistant and Laboratory Technician roles share similarities in work environments and required credentials, but Scientific Assistants typically focus on supporting research activities, while Laboratory Technicians handle routine testing and sample processing. Both roles are essential in scientific and medical settings, with the Scientific Assistant often involved in data collection and analysis, and the Laboratory Technician performing technical procedures.

What are some common challenges scientific assistants face when managing multiple research projects simultaneously?

Scientific Assistants often juggle several research projects at once, which can present challenges in prioritizing tasks, maintaining meticulous records, and meeting deadlines. Balancing administrative duties, laboratory work, and data analysis requires strong organizational and time-management skills. Open communication with supervising scientists and research teams is essential to clarify expectations and ensure that all projects stay on track. Developing efficient workflows and regularly reviewing progress can help Scientific Assistants manage these demands effectively.

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

To thrive as a Scientific Assistant, you typically need a bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline, strong analytical abilities, and experience with laboratory procedures. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software (such as Excel, SPSS, or R), and adherence to safety protocols are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help you excel in supporting research activities and collaborating with team members. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate data collection, maintaining safe lab environments, and contributing to the success of scientific projects.

What is a scientific assistant?

Scientific Assistants are professionals who support scientists and researchers in laboratories, fieldwork, or academic settings. Their duties typically include preparing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, maintaining equipment, and assisting with documentation and reporting. They play a vital role in ensuring experiments and research projects run smoothly by handling technical and administrative tasks. Scientific Assistants often work under the supervision of senior scientists or researchers and may specialize in fields such as biology, chemistry, or physics.

How to become a scientific assistant?

To become a scientific assistant, candidates typically need a relevant bachelor's degree in a scientific field such as biology, chemistry, or physics. Gaining laboratory experience, developing technical skills, and sometimes obtaining certifications can improve job prospects; familiarity with laboratory equipment and data analysis tools is also beneficial.
What are the most commonly searched types of Scientific jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Scientific jobs in Tennessee are:
What job categories do people searching Scientific Assistant jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Scientific Assistant jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Scientific Assistant jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Scientific Assistant job openings:
Scientific Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scientific Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,845 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Basic Scientist Assistant 2 - GI Medicine

Vanderbilt Health

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Vanderbilt University Medical Center rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 251 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community ofindividuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniquenessis sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt's mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.

Organization:

MED Gastroenterology

Job Summary:

Basic scientists focus on high-level scientific research and development, investigative experiments, data analysis, and formal data presentation. This position may include the expectation of necessary skills to manage the day-to-day operations of the laboratory and its personnel.

.

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

Welcome to the Division ofGastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. We strive to provide outstanding medical care to people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver, to train gastroenterology clinicians and researchers, and to perform cutting-edge biomedical research to improve our understanding of digestive diseases. The division has nearly 80 physician-scientists, clinician-educators, medical center clinicians, advanced practice providers, and research-track investigators.

There are three goals that define our division:

  • Innovative biomedical, discovery-based research

  • Education and training of medical students, residents, postdoctoral fellows, GI research and GI clinical fellows

  • Clinical and endoscopic practice focused on compassionate and outstanding patient care

The Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition seeks a balance in its clinical and research activities. We strive to serve as a beacon to attract world-class clinicians, investigators and trainees to VUMC with the ultimate goal of providing exceptional patient care and performing innovative, discovery-driven research.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES


Perform laboratory experiments and produce competent and reproducible results to a high technical standard
Devise research methods, prepare technical specifications, and specify laboratory test equipment and processes
Analyze data, and interpret and present results with minimal faculty supervision
Design experiments and implement and standardize new processes and procedures based on expert knowledge of literature and subject matter
Maintain detailed documentation and write formal scientific reports suitable for publication
Prepare and/or maintain samples and specimens
Manage laboratory personnel
Maintain and operate standard laboratory equipment, including centrifuges, pipetting machines, spectrometers, ELISA readers, as well as specialized equipment necessary to support the laboratory
Perform mathematical calculations and generate relevant statistics to support scientific output
Prepare materials suitable for institutional review of formal protocols and operating procedures with minimal faculty supervision
TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

Our Academic Enterprise is one of the nation's longest serving and most prestigious academic medical centers. Through its historic bond with Vanderbilt University and integral role in the School of Medicine, Vanderbilt Health cultivates distinguished research and educational programs to advance a clinical enterprise that provides compassionate and personalized care and support for millions of patients and family members each year.

World-leading academic departments and comprehensive centers of excellence pursue scientific discoveries and transformational educational and clinical advances across the entire spectrum of health and disease.

Aligning with Vanderbilt Health'sStrategic Directions, the Office of Research providesshared research resources,administrative expertiseand professional guidance to enablethetrans-disciplinary environment and highly collaborative culture that advances discovery and training forall the research faculty, trainees, students and staff.

    Core Accountabilities:

    Organizational Impact: Executes job responsibilities with the understanding of how output would affect and impact other areas related to own job area/team with occasional guidance. Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Analyzes moderately complex problems using technical experience and judgment. Breadth of Knowledge: Has expanded knowledge gained through experience within a professional area. Team Interaction: Provides informal guidance and support to team members.

    Core Capabilities :

    Supporting Colleagues:- Develops Self and Others: Invests time, energy, and enthusiasm in developing self/others to help improve performance e and gain knowledge in new areas.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Maintains regular contact with key colleagues and stakeholders using formal and informal opportunities to expand and strengthen relationships.- Communicates Effectively: Recognizes group interactions and modifies one's own communication style to suit different situations and audiences. Delivering Excellent Services:- Serves Others with Compassion: Seeks to understand current and future needs of relevant stakeholders and customizes services to better address them.- Solves Complex Problems: Approaches problems from different angles; Identifies new possibilities to interpret opportunities and develop concrete solutions.- Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Provides ongoing support and coaching in a constructive manner to increase employees' effectiveness. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Engages regularly in formal and informal dialogue about quality; directly addresses quality issues promptly.- Ensures Continuous Improvement: Applies various learning experiences by looking beyond symptoms to uncover underlying causes of problems and identifies ways to resolve them. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Understands all aspects of providing a safe environment and performs routine safety checks to prevent safety hazards from occurring. Managing Resources Effectively: - Demonstrates Accountability: Demonstrates a sense of ownership, focusing on and driving critical issues to closure.- Stewards Organizational Resources: Applies understanding of the departmental work to effectively manage resources for a department/area.- Makes Data Driven Decisions: Demonstrates strong understanding of the information or data to identify and elevate opportunities. Fostering Innovation:- Generates New Ideas: Proactively identifies new ideas/opportunities from multiple sources or methods to improve processes beyond conventional approaches.- Applies Technology: Demonstrates an enthusiasm for learning new technologies, tools, and procedures to address short-term challenges.- Adapts to Change: Views difficult situations and/or problems as opportunities for improvement; actively embraces change instead of emphasizing negative elements.

    Position Qualifications:

    Responsibilities:

    Certifications :

    Work Experience :

    Relevant Work Experience

    Experience Level :

    3 years

    Education :

    Doctorate

    This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which mayinclude health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.

    Vanderbilt Health is committed tofosteringan environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.

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