Research Assistant 2

Department Overview

Our group is researching the early cancer biology of the pancreas with a view towards early detection of pancreatic cancer. As a team member in the Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, you will assist in laboratory bench research conducting some phases of on-going projects, and will work independently and may help to design experiments. The position includes harvesting and processing mouse tissues along with data entry/collection and laboratory housekeeping. The Research Assistant will also assist with clinical lab work that is part of a transplant procedure that can be life-changing for people with severe chronic pancreatitis. Skills required for this position include molecular and cellular biology techniques, mouse handling and breeding, organizational and data processing skills, as well as a high motivation level.

 

In this position you will gain excellent training for career development, experience in conducting research at a high level, and development of your scientific thinking skills. Training includes growing primary cultures of tumor cells and other tissue culture, automated therapeutic screens, histology techniques, flow cytometry, and performing quantitative analysis of images.

Function/Duties of Position

• Assist investigators with routine laboratory procedures under general supervision: preserve, propagate, and catalog human tumor tissues; prepare tissue for IF/IHC; isolate specific tissue regions (mouse and human tissue) by macrodissection; perform quantitative evaluation of IF images; data collection and data input with statistical evaluation.
• Routine laboratory housekeeping tasks, assist with facilities tasks, stocking supplies; attend lab meetings and present data.
• Assist in design of research experiments and troubleshooting; attend group meetings and seminars as relevant.
• Assist in TPIAT procedure islet cell purification and isolation lab as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with major courses in field of research/No Experience – OR – Associate’s degree and 3 years of relevant experience.

• Computer skills; strong organizational abilities; excellent communication skills; strong data management skills; exceptional attention to detail; ability to multitask; ability to follow direction; must be able to work in a BSL-2 environment; demonstrated ability to work independently under minimal supervision; Strong knowledge of laboratory techniques and cell biology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Bioscience, in-lab training.

Additional Details

Work is 40 hours per week, generally during normal working hours, however, some evening and weekend work will be necessary on occasion, and TPIAT procedure days will be longer. Additional safety training will be required to work with cell lines/patient samples/ infectious bacteria or viruses and working within a BSL-2 environment/working with mice. Animal handling is required. Additional training will be required to work in a clinical service lab.

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.