Senior Research Assistant

Senior Research Assistant

Location:

US-OR-Portland

Requisition :

Position Category:
Research

Job Type: Research

Position Type:
Regular Full-Time

Posting Department:
Dermatology

Posting Salary Range: $43,388.80 - $65,062.40 per year with offer based on experience, education and internal equity

Posting FTE: 1.00

HR Mission:
School of Medicine

Drug Testable:
No

Linked In Job Code: #LI-KR1

The OHSU Dermatology Research Division merges basic, clinical and translational research in epithelial cell cancers and dermatologic diseases. Our basic and clinician-scientists are committed to innovative research on cancer and inflammation of skin with an impact on understanding causes and improving future treatment of muco‑cutaneous diseases and providing more effective patient care.

The person who fills this position will work with Noah Hornick, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, to investigate methods for surveillance of melanoma recurrence / metastasis, as well as mechanisms of inflammation in the skin during adverse reactions to cancer immunotherapy. Responsibilities will include conducting experimentation that leverages techniques including the processing of human tissue samples (skin, tumor, and blood) in order to extract single cells, RNA, and protein;

histologic work including the chromogenic and fluorescent labeling and imaging of slides, preparation of single‑cell and bulk RNA libraries for sequencing, cell culture, and flow cytometry. The Research Assistant will also be responsible for contributing to documentation and data analysis related to this experimentation, as well as to the preparation of figures for publication.

• Supports basic day‑to‑day functions of the lab, including assisting with ordering supplies.
• Independently sets up and carries out cell culture experiments with cell lines and primary human skin cells. Analyzes results using techniques listed in position summary.
• Oversee and assist with training of new or temporary students and other personnel.
• Independently prepares, labels, and images slides using stains, immunolabeling, and in situ hybridization with both chromogens and fluorophores.
• Performs sequence analysis, tissue homogenization, RNA isolation, and protein quantification on blood and tissue‑derived RNA from clinical study participants.
• Prepares and labels single‑cell suspensions from patient samples and cultured cells, performs flow cytometry analysis.
• Attends all laboratory research and division/department meetings.

• Bachelor's in relevant field AND 1 year of relevant experience OR Equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Competent math skills, experience with MS Excel.

• Masters degree in relevant field.
• At least 1 year of work experience in biomedical research lab; prior imaging or histology experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of next generation sequencing data analysis.

The schedule will be full‑time (40 hours per week), though the hours can be flexible on mutual agreement and may include evening and weekend work as needed depending on experimental timing demands. The location will be primarily in the dermatology laboratory and associated equipment rooms in CHH
1. Specialized experiments will be conducted in core facilities. Exposure as part of this position may include human tissues and fluids. Ability to stand at laboratory bench and sit for hours when needed for tissue culture or microscopy.