Postdoctoral Researcher

Department Overview

The Oregon National Primate 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.

The Vrooman laboratory at the Oregon National Primate Research Center is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to support NIH-funded studies focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying abnormal placenta development with assisted reproductive technologies, like in vitro fertilization.

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct live animal procedures under supervision of veterinarians and animal care staff, establish and apply trophoblast cell culture and flow cytometry assays, and perform other rigorous and high-quality molecular bench work in an academic setting.

Specific responsibilities include: performing minimally invasive procedures with rhesus macaques under supervision of animal care and veterinary staff, conducting molecular biology and microscopy protocols of high complexity, collecting, analyzing, and presenting data, manuscript preparation and writing, and maintaining a clean, well-functioning, and safe laboratory. Attention to detail, maintaining accurate data records, and excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

This position reports directly to Dr. Lisa Vrooman but must be able to independently manage their assigned research projects and perform research tasks with minimal errors. It is considered an essential worker position that requires reporting in-person during inclement weather or other emergencies when applicable to time-sensitive experiments involving animals or animal welfare. They must also be able to professionally and effectively interact with other staff and trainees associated with their projects.

Desire to mentor high school, undergraduate, graduate students, and new staff highly preferred. The postdoctoral researcher will be highly encouraged to publish first-author work, present at regional and national conferences, and participate in other career development opportunities.

• Perform molecular, cellular, and developmental biology experiments of high complexity: e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, light microscopy, cell culture, flow cytometry, etc.
• Conduct and manage coordination of non-human primate experimental procedures, including perform/schedule blood draws, vaginal swabs, administration of oral and injectable medications, monitoring menstrual cycles, collecting and processing biological samples. Assisting in and ensuring compliance with animal use.
• Data analysis and record keeping:
  Maintain up-to-date lab notebook with recorded protocols and data, update lab protocols/SOPs, create graphs, and perform basic statistical analysis.
• Writing & Presentations:
  Present data in weekly meetings. Prepare and write manuscript drafts. Perform literature searches relevant to research projects.
• Laboratory maintenance:
  Contributing to a clean and safe laboratory environment by informing staff of low levels of reagents or broken equipment, preparing one’s own or shared working reagents, keeping bench areas and equipment clean and compliant with safety standards, staying compliant with required trainings.
• Mentorship:
  Help provide guidance, supervision, and mentorship to interns/students and other research staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or D.V.M./Ph.D.

• Strong background knowledge in women’s health and reproductive biology.
• General understanding of basic molecular biology techniques, e.g., DNA and RNA extraction, real-time quantitative PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.
• Ability to synthesize data/results and others’ findings/literature to formulate and test hypotheses.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal format.
• Ability to work independently, one-on-one, and in a small group setting in a positive and productive manner.
• Ability to prioritize work demands and coordinate work schedules/protocols with other staff.
• Work efficiently and skillfully with a diverse group of staff and collaborators.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Experience with…