Senior Research Assistant

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 full-time Senior Research Assistant position is a split position between the Burwitz and Vrooman labs to conduct live animal work in mice and non-human primates, molecular assays, and laboratory management in an academic setting. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to: maintaining a mouse colony, performing approved experimental procedures in mice and non-human primates, conducting molecular biology and microscopy protocols, collecting, analyzing, and presenting data, manuscript preparation and writing, and maintaining a clean, well-functioning, and safe laboratory.

This position reports directly to the Principal Investigators but must be able to independently manage their assigned research projects, perform research tasks with minimal errors, and provide appropriate training to collaborators, other research assistants, high school or undergraduate students in the lab. 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 will need to proactively perform general/routine laboratory duties such as cleaning and maintaining equipment and shared spaces, autoclaving, incubator/gas tank monitoring, assisting with reagent inventory, scheduling hazardous waste pickup, etc. They must also be able to professionally and effectively interact with other staff and trainees associated with their projects. They may, at times, conduct research activities at the ONPRC under another collaborating Principal Investigator.

• Conduct mouse and non-human primate experimental procedures with general supervision, including coordinating administration of diets/medications and monitoring, collecting and processing biological samples. For mouse husbandry, mating mice, checking pregnancies, weaning, genotyping, performing euthanasia, and overseeing general health concerns. Assisting in and ensuring regulatory compliance with animal use.
• Molecular, cellular, and developmental biology protocols: e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, qRT-PCR, DNA methylation assays, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, light microscopy.
• Data analysis and record keeping:
  Maintain up-to-date lab notebook with recorded protocols and data, create graphs, and perform basic statistical analyses.
• Writing & Presentations:
  Prepare written reports of methods, figures, and present data in weekly meetings. Perform literature searches relevant to research projects.
• Laboratory maintenance:
  Ordering and proper storage of supplies and reagents, preparing solutions, autoclaving, keep bench areas and equipment clean and compliant with safety standards, arrange chemical and biological waste, staying compliant with required trainings.
• Help provide functional guidance and mentorship to interns/students doing short-term projects in the laboratory.

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field and 1 years of relevant experience; OR
• Equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Proficiency in basic molecular biology techniques, e.g., DNA and RNA extraction, real-time quantitative PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal format.
• Ability to work independently, one-on-one, and small group setting in a positive and productive manner.
• Work efficiently and skillfully with a diverse group of staff and collaborators.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with statistical programs.
• Ability to prioritize work demands and coordinate work schedules/protocols with other staff.
• Organizational and time management, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills to satisfactorily perform job duties independently and meet deadlines set by PI.
• Ability to comprehend scientific articles and organize information into spreadsheets.
• High level of self-motivation, reliability, and integrity.