Senior Research Assistant

Department Overview

At the Sleep, Chronobiology, and Health Laboratory within OHSU's School of Nursing, we perform research and innovation to improve the lives of all people through biomedical research.

The successful candidate will work on a variety of projects under the minimal direction of Andrew W McHill, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Director of the Sleep, Chronobiology, and Health Laboratory within the OHSU School of Nursing. This research is aimed at understanding the effects of disturbed sleep and circadian rhythms on physiology and pathophysiology in humans. In particular, we are investigating the adverse health effects of disrupted sleeping patterns, habitual diet, shift work, and the mechanisms underlying the adverse health of performing activities during the night. These studies will lead to interventions designed to improve the health, safety, and well-being of shift workers and vulnerable populations.

Duties include data collection in human volunteers using a variety of noninvasive physiological monitoring devices, contributing to the planning and design of research, supervising research staff within the laboratory, administrative tasks as needed, and medically screening volunteer research participants over the phone and in person. Measurement sessions in the laboratory will be on a variable schedule, including regular overnight, early morning, and weekend shifts.

Candidates with experience working effectively with racially and ethnically diverse populations are highly encouraged to apply.

Function/Duties of Position

• Under minimal supervision, sets up and performs sleep studies. Duties include data collection in human volunteers using a variety of noninvasive physiological monitoring devices (e.g., EKG, blood pressure, breathing, sleep, core body temperature, metabolic rate); setting up, testing, and maintaining equipment. 
• Performs work of moderate to complex difficulty, including, but not limited to, creating and maintaining all of the in-laboratory timetables, maintaining/updating nursing flowsheets, organization of the scheduling in-laboratory shifts spanning 24-hour days, and inventory of biological sample collection/assay results. 
• Contributes to the planning and design of research projects and manuscripts, assisting in the writing of manuscripts, grants, and/or regulatory documents, and also leading modification of studies and experiments through the institutional review board. 
• Oversee and assist with the training and day to day management of student workers and research staff. 
• Additional duties as assigned including medically screening volunteer research participants over the phone and in person.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, AND One (1) year of relevant experience, OR

• Equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

• Exercises discretion at all times when dealing with issues of a sensitive nature to maintain participant confidentiality 

• Exercises integrity at all times regarding interactions with others and in performing research.

• Ability to work overnight and weekend hours while monitoring research participants. • Specialized experience in exercise science, circadian rhythm, or sleep research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science field.

• Experience in clinical research especially related to human subjects research.

• Specialized experience with computer programing or digital media.

• Experience working effectively with racially and ethnically diverse populations. 

• Ability to work independently and in a small group setting.

• Ability to interact positively and productively with a diverse lab community.

Additional Details

Working hours of this position will vary as they will include evenings, overnight, and weekend shifts.

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.