Research Assistant 1

Department Overview

The Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) is located 12 miles west of the OHSU main campus, and sits on 162 acres of land featuring forested areas, research and administration buildings, indoor and outdoor animal housing, and 2-mile perimeter walking path. Our mission is to improve human health and the quality of life through the support of nonhuman primate research programs that advance our knowledge of the causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of debilitating diseases.

Function/Duties of Position

Support ongoing research at ONPRC on contraception, endometriosis and the role of steroid hormones in regulating the reproductive tract.   Duties include supervised sample handling, histology, immunocytochemistry, molecular biological and biochemical techniques. Supervised in vivo nonhuman primate animal and laboratory rodent studies.  Work will involve immunodeficient mice, nonhuman primates and other laboratory models.  Laboratory duties include ordering and stocking of supplies, data reporting and maintenance of data archives.  This position will also contribute to and participate in research activities that include: daily checks of animal health and physical condition, monitoring daily hormone values, conducting experiments according to standard laboratory protocols and procedures, overseeing the administration of medications and treatments and assisting with animal/surgical procedures.  Work involves the processing of biological samples that may be infected with various pathogenic agents, including human and simian viruses. 

 

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards:

Research: Manage and coordinate animal use, as well participate in sample acquisition. Perform necessary molecular and cellular experimentation

Laboratory Management: Help maintain supplies and laboratory equipment. Perform routine maintenance tasks.

Data Analysis/Record Keeping: Maintain complete records of protocols and experiments. Perform data entry as well as statistical and graphical analyses of the results.

Report Preparation: Prepare graphs, tables, and methods sections for use in publications and grant submissions

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's in any field OR
• Associate's AND 2 years of relevant experience OR
• 3 years of relevant experience OR Equivalent combination of training and experience

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Must be able to efficiently plan, prioritize, and execute daily work
• Must be able to work both independently and as part of a research team
• Ability to interact in a positive and productive manner
• Must possess manual dexterity and fine motor skills to perform research techniques
• Ability to communicate effectively in written, email, and oral formats
• Organization skills and careful attention to detail to satisfactorily perform job duties are also required

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Biology degree with an animal science, physiology, molecular, and/or cellular biology emphasis

Experience:

• One year of relevant research experience in molecular/cellular biology, physiology, or endocrinology research
• Research projects conducted as part of the graduation requirements may be counted toward relevant research experience
• Research experience using animal models
• Experience with surgical and cell culture models, or in molecular and cellular biology techniques

Additional Details

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work schedule is 5 days a week, starting at 8:00 am and ending at 5:00 pm with some weekend days to accommodate any ongoing/time sensitive experiments
• In addition to the 8 hour work day, early morning and late night hours are needed at times
• Work is to be performed in a laboratory setting, with potential risk of exposure to infectious agents, chemicals, dry ice, and liquid nitrogen

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & EQUIPMENT USAGE:

• Able to lift and/or move equipment/supplies weighing up to 30 pounds
• Ability to stand for 3 continuous hours per day

All are welcome

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or [email protected].