Research Assistant

Department Overview

The Wang Lab in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon, is recruiting a Research Assistant to support NIH-funded research focused on developing fluorescent small-molecule probes for fluorescence guided surgery and disease early detection. 

 

We are seeking a motivated scientist who is excited to work at the interface of chemistry, engineering and translational medicine. Applicants should submit a cover letter describing their research interests, and a CV.

 

Portland is a bike-friendly and scenic city with a vibrant culture around music, coffee, food, and outdoor recreation. The Pacific Ocean, Cascade Mountains, and Columbia River Gorge are all within approximately 90 minutes of the city, providing exceptional opportunities for hiking, skiing, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.

Function/Duties of Position

The Research Assistant will contribute to the full probe development pipeline, including multi-step organic synthesis and purification of novel fluorophore candidates, structural verification and purity assessment by HPLC-MS and NMR, and photophysical characterization through absorption and emission spectroscopy, molar extinction coefficient measurements and quantum yield determination. The position will also support preclinical evaluation of imaging probes in rodent models under approved IACUC protocols, including probe formulation, intravenous administration, terminal surgical dissection, fluorescence imaging and image analysis. 

• Chemical synthesis and purification.
• Structure and optical property characterization.
• In vivo imaging studies.
• Attendance and presentation at lab meetings, contributions to publications and applications for funding (writing, figures, data).
• Other duties as assigned.

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.
• Demonstrated ability to follow written protocols and standard operating procedures accurately and consistently.
• Demonstrated knowledge of general laboratory safety practices, including chemical handling, personal protective equipment, and waste disposal.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate, legible, and complete experimental records
• Applied ability to perform quantitative calculations required for laboratory work, including concentration, dilution, and dosing calculations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with standard computer applications for data entry, analysis, and scientific communication.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a research team, communicate clearly with colleagues, and coordinate on shared equipment and timelines.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. in chemistry, Biochemistry, or related scientific discipline.
• Prior laboratory research experience in small-molecule synthesis and preclinical in vivo imaging, gained through undergraduate research, internship, or employment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry, including multi-step synthesis, reaction monitoring by thin-layer chromatography, purification by automated flash chromatography, and structural verification by HPLC-MS, NMR.
• Experience independently troubleshooting synthetic reactions and optimizing reaction conditions to improve yield and purity.
• Applied expertise in photophysical characterization of small-molecule fluorophores, including absorption and emission spectroscopy, molar extinction coefficient determination, and relative quantum yield measurement.
• Experience independently performing rodent procedures under an approved IACUC protocol, including intravenous tail-vein administration, terminal surgical dissection, and tissue harvest.
• Proven track record of acquiring fluorescence imaging data under standardized acquisition conditions on preclinical imaging systems.
• Applied expertise in quantitative image analysis using MATLAB or comparable software
• Demonstrated knowledge of experimental design and statistical comparison of group means using standard analysis software.
• Proven track record of contributing to multi-investigator research projects requiring coordination across chemistry, animal, and imaging workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare figures, methods text, and data summaries suitable for manuscripts, grant reports, or scientific presentations.

Additional Details

This position is located at OHSU’s south waterfront campus (RLSB and KCRB); work hours are 8:00am - 5:00pm with occasional