Research Assistant 2

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 purpose of this research position is to support studies investigating environmental impact on reproductive health, prenatal outcomes, and placental dysfunction in nonhuman primate (NHP) models. This position requires a hardworking, dedicated individual who can work independently.  This person will spend half of their time working directly with the NHPs and the other portion in the lab.  NHP work will involve sedation and monitoring, observations, sample collection and support in addition to tissue collection at necropsies.  Laboratory work will include analyses of biological samples by ELISA, molecular and immunohistochemical methods and tissue culture studies in addition to routine laboratory duties such as solution preparation, data entry/reporting, analysis and problem solving. Good communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with ONPRC investigators/staff and collaborators as well as excellent organizational skills are necessary. Computer experience in Microsoft Word and Excel required.   

 

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards

 

1. Independently contribute to, and participate in ongoing research projects. Conduct studies related to reproductive health, placental biology, and offspring outcomes in nonhuman primate models including in vivo and in vitro experiments. Assist in planning experiments and developing techniques in the laboratory. Contribute data to written reports, abstracts, project proposals and presentations.

 

2. Work hands on with nonhuman primates. Duties will include sedating animals for procedures, monitoring of physiological vital signs, and assisting with animal monitoring until full recovery post procedure.

 

3. Assist in research support procedures including, but not limited to: Scheduling and organizing animal studies, 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 assisting others in the laboratory with their procedures.

 

Required Qualifications

Education:

• 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

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
• collaborators  in a positive and productive manner, and to work efficiently and skillfully with a variety of diverse staff and collaborators
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Adobe Photoshop or other graphics software
• Demonstrated independence and competence to perform data management and analysis of research finding, including use of spreadsheets, graphics and statistical programs. Ability to contribute to written scientific reports
• Ability to prioritize work demands, and coordinate research protocols with other staff
• Organizational skills and careful attention to details to satisfactorily perform job duties. Organizational and time management skills sufficient to prioritize work demands, and to coordinate and document research and work protocols with other staff
• High level of self-motivation and integrity

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Experience:

• 2 year relevant research experience in a laboratory setting.  

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Experience maintaining inventories of laboratory supplies and equipment 
• Training in the use of biohazard materials and experience in the maintaing of biohazard materials
• Ability to conduct independent and collaborative research, with demonstrated experience in problem solving
• Laboratory management and quality control skills

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