Job Summary:

Perform research of a highly complex nature. Lead research projects and perform near to totally independent research. Exercise discretion and independent judgment to develop design of research to test hypotheses. Devise new or modify existing methods and develop procedures to meet new conditions.

Research Focus:

An NIH-funded Senior Research Specialist position is available at Vanderbilt Eye Institute to investigate glaucoma pathogenesis. The central hypothesis is that tissue biomechanics and microstructure play key roles in optic nerve pathologies such as glaucoma. The candidate will use newly created mouse models with biomechanical and microstructural defects to test the hypothesis using multi-modal techniques, including atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy, electrophysiology, optical coherence tomography and behavioral assays of visual function. Ample opportunities will be provided to master these cutting-edge techniques in a highly collaborative environment with investigators within and outside the Vanderbilt community. The ideal candidate would have training in eye research using animal models and/or have training in some of the above- listed experimental approaches as well as possess excellent communication skills. The individual must be highly motivated and able to work independently as well as be part of a team. Vanderbilt Eye institute offers a collaborative and well-equipped environment. Candidates with advanced degrees, such as M.D., and/or Ph.D. are preferred but not required.

Department/Unit Summary:

At the Vanderbilt Eye Institute, we strive to make life better for adults and children with eye conditions including glaucoma, vision loss and diseases of the retina. We treat patients from across Tennessee and the Southeast. Our doctors, researchers and support staff use the latest technologies and methods, and we conduct vital vision research that translates to better treatments.

The Vanderbilt Eye Institute is a leader in quality eye care. We offer the latest technologies and methods while conducting innovative research to improve patients' lives and prevent vision loss.

Click here to learn more about the Vanderbilt Eye Institute

We work hard each day because your eyes are important to us.

The Vanderbilt Eye Institute attracts some of the most talented doctors and researchers in the country. Our subspecialty ophthalmologists have completed a minimum of one year of fellowship training after residency and are board eligible or board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Vanderbilt Eye Institute's award-winning research staff collaborates with our doctors as well as other Vanderbilt departments to pursue discoveries that enhance the vision of patients everywhere.

Position Shift:

• First Shift

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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 of individuals 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. It is a place where your diversity -- of culture, thinking, learning and leading -- is 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.

VUMC Recent Accomplishments

Because we are committed to providing the best in patient care, education and research, we are proud of our recent accomplishments:

* US News & World Report: #1 Adult Hospital in Tennessee and metropolitan Nashville, named to the Best Hospitals Honor Roll of the top 20 adult hospitals, 10 nationally ranked adult specialty programs, with 3 specialties rated in the top 10 nationally, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt named as one of the Best Children's Hospital in the nation, with 10 out of 10 pediatric specialties nationally ranked.

* Healthcare's Most Wired: Among the nation's 100 "most-wired" hospitals and health systems for its efforts in innovative medical technology.

* Becker's Hospital Review: named as one of the "100 Great Hospitals in America", in the roster of 100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs and to its list of the 100 Hospitals with Great Heart Programs.

* The Leapfrog Group: One of only 10 children's hospitals in the to be named at Leapfrog Top Hospital.

* American Association for the Advancement of Science: The School of Medicine has 112 elected fellows

* Magnet Recognition Program: Received our third consecutive Magnet designations.

* National Academy of Medicine: 22 members, elected by their peers in recognition of outstanding achievement

* Human Rights Campaign Healthcare Equality Index: 6 ^th year in a row that Vanderbilt University Medical Center was a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality.

Additional Key Elements/ Responsibilities:

• ndependently oversee research projects and perform near to totally independent research.
• Supervise, plan, design and implement research projects
• Establish protocol(s); define data collection, evaluation and analysis procedures
• Exercise discretion and independent judgment to develop methods and procedures for operation of complex scientific equipment
• Supervise set-up and operation of various scientific experiments involving complex apparatus and equipment
• Contribute to research so as to merit serving as author or co-author on research publications, etc.
• Assist principal investigator in preparation of grant applications and contract proposals
• Present research findings as needed
• Responsible for plan and coordination of literature and library searches and data collection programs
• Develop reports of results, graphs, charts, tables, etc. of research findings
• Supervise writing, reviewing and editing of various materials for publication
• Provide supervisory responsibility to staff
• Train and supervise technical staff, medical and graduate students
• Provide technical guidance to students, post-doctoral fellows and faculty as required
• Provide budget responsibility
• Make recommendations to principal investigator regarding staff, supply and equipment needs for research projects
• May monitor expenditures of funds
• Maintain open communication between department and others
• Open contact as needed with principal investigator, collaborating professionals, Purchasing, Human Resource Services, Space and Facilities Planning, asset management personnel, Environmental Health and Safety, Institutional Review Board staff, administrative staff relating to budget capabilities
• Contact as required with sponsoring agencies and/or cooperating facilities (e.g. V.A.), collaborating professionals and vendors