Research Assistant 2

Department Overview

Research assistant for basic science research study to assess changes in the cardiac sympathetic innervation in various models of cardiac dysfunction. Work with a collaborative team to understand cellular and molecular mechanisms of sympathetic neural plasticity. Maintain excellent laboratory records and a safe research environment. The position will encompass physiology and cell culture experiments that include molecular biology methods including cloning, transfections/viral infections to express genes of interest in vitro, RNA and protein preparation and analysis, tissue collection from mice, and mouse colony maintenance. Some ordering and maintaining lab supplies, chemicals, and animals may also be included.

Function/Duties of Position

• Carry out experiments in consultation with the PI, trouble-shooting technical difficulties independently. Experiments may include: Cell culture including cell lines, primary neurons, primary cardiac myocyte cultures, neuron/myocyte co-cultures, protein expression and purification, DNA preps and transfections, RNA isolation and real-time PCR, western blots, and ELISA. Flow cytometry to characterize immune cells. 
• Genotype and maintain colonies of transgenic mice, maintain accurate records of colony management.
• Assess physiological parameters in mice including ECG, cardiac function (echocardiography), collect tissue for and perform RNA and biochemical analyses. 
• Documentation and data management: Maintain complete and accurate laboratory records of study procedures and results; back up data regularly, including images; assist with analysis of results. 
• Communication: Regularly report experiment progress to supervisor and other team members; participate in lab meetings; assist with presentation of study results in abstracts, papers, or presentations. 
• This position description may not include all duties of this position and additional duties may be added at the direction of Beth Habecker, Ph.D.
• Compliance expectation:  Perform all compliance and training requirements for research staff at OHSU. Carry out job responsibilities in an ethical, effective, and professional manner.  Model ethical and appropriate behavior, professional standards, compliance, and personal integrity.  Understand and comply with the Code of Conduct, OHSU and departmental policies and procedures, applicable rules, regulations. 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's in relevant field OR
• Associate's AND 3 years of relevant experience OR
• 4 years of relevant experience OR
• Equivalent combination of training and experience*
• Must be willing to work with animals.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are required. 

• Knowledge of basic chemistry and physiology is required.  Exercises judgment in taking independent action, and seeks advice as necessary.

• Must be flexible, able to take direction, and willing to work evenings and weekends as needed.  Must have good communication skills and be able to work as part of a team. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree (4 yr) with major in physiology, neuroscience, or related discipline and 1-3 years of experience.

• Experience with cell culture, molecular biology techniques, and animal handling.

• Exercises judgment in taking independent action, and seeks advice as necessary.

• Assists in planning experimental design and/or designing research standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Assumes responsibility for specific components of research project.

• Demonstrates creativity and problem solving ability.

   

Additional Details

Variable work schedule including evenings and weekends, but to equal 40 hours per week.

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 aaeo@ohsu.edu.