Research Assistant
Posted 26 Aug 2026
Advertised as “Research Asst I”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Level
- I
- Expected experience
- 1+ yrs
- Management level
- Individual contributor
- Employment
- On-Site
No salary listed for this role.
Field of studyBioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (or related)
Study levelBachelor's
Study levelMaster's
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.