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

The incumbent for this position will provide technical support for ongoing research projects for work related contraception research in an in vitro model. This position requires a hardworking, dedicated individual who can follow directions and work independently.  Laboratory work will include tissue culture work performing common laboratory assays, but also maintaining the lab environment including dishwashing, lab cleanliness, and organization.  Good communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with ONPRC investigators/staff and collaborators, as well as excellent organizational skills are a must.  Computer experience in Microsoft Word and Excel required. 

 

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards:

 

1. Assist in ongoing research protocols involving hands-on work with cell culture: obtaining organ samples from necropsy, making reagents, preparing culture medium, maintaining cell cultures, performing western blots, purifying RNA, running real time PCR experiments, ELISAs.

 

2. Follow oral and written laboratory protocols.  Assist in research support procedures including, but not limited to: clean laboratory glassware and equipment; clean lab benches, water baths, and incubators. Prepare and autoclave various laboratory solutions and media.  Process and disposal of biohazard and radioactive chemical waste, as well as disposal of autoclaved materials following standard laboratory protocols. Maintain overall laboratory cleanliness and assist others in the laboratory with their procedures.

 

3. Contribute to, and participate in, ongoing research projects. Assist others in studies related to investigating contraception, utilizing the cervix as a target, including entering, maintaining, and organizing data samples and accurate and timely entry into computer database.   

 

4. Perform additional duties as requested by principal investigator, scientific personnel, or supervisor(s).

 

5. Tissue processing/embedding, sectioning (microtome), immunohistochemistry, assisting others in studies related to permanent contraception projects.

 

6. Assist with possible animal (primate studies) in terms of scheduling, gathering equipment. 

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):

• Ability to communicate effectively, in both written and oral formats
• Ability to work both independently and in a small group setting, and one-on-one with collaborators  in a positive and producive manner, and to work efficiently and skillfully with a variety of diverse staff and collaborators
• Working knowledge (6 months relevant work experience) of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Adobe Photshop or other graphics software, and GraphPad Prism
• Ability to prioritize work demands, and coordinate research protocols with other staff
• Organizational skills and careful attention to details to satisfactorily perform job duties
• Database management and quality control skills
• High level of self-motivation and integrity
• Must have excellent communication skills and be able to interact with researchers and collaborators

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Experience:

• 1 year relevant research experience in laboratory

Additional Details

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Work schedule is primarily 5 full days from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 pm or at least 10 half days (9-1 or 1-5:30) in a manner determined by the supervisor 
• This position will require working weekends, holidays, and extended hours at times, as required by the scope of the position
• Work is performed in both laboratory and animal handling settings, which carry a potential risk of exposure to chemicals, biohazard materials, dry ice, and low-level radio