Research Assistant - Senior Research Assistant

Research Assistant 2 – Senior Research Assistant

Join to apply for the Research Assistant 2 – Senior Research Assistant role at SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening).

Overview: The Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research (CEDAR) center is a collaborative institution within the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. The Knight Cancer Institute, known as one of the pioneers in personalized cancer medicine, is an international leader in research and cancer treatment. At CEDAR our mission is to detect and stop lethal cancers at the earliest stage because early detection saves lives.

This is an ambitious goal, one that requires novelty, creativity, and innovation. We are comprised of biologists, chemists, biomedical engineers, computationalists, and clinicians conducting groundbreaking translational cancer research to help people maintain a high quality of life and reduce cancer mortality, to create a global early detection community, and to have a positive impact on the Oregon economy.

CEDAR is committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community. We are dedicated to promoting inclusion and multiculturalism by having outstanding researchers of diverse backgrounds work together on multiple projects. We encourage high-risk, high-reward research projects because defeating cancer requires out-of-the-box thinking and new perspectives. Our research is milestone-driven to ensure that each project is fulfilling its stated goals.

Every Knight Cancer employee is expected to embody our guiding principles:

• We act BOLDLY
  —Breakthroughs require pushing the boundaries of science, exploring new frontiers, and thinking differently
• We SUPPORT each other—Respect leads to trust, which leads to excellence
• We work as a CONNECTED team—We must leverage our collective brain power to conquer cancer because no one individual can do it alone

We are developing an exciting new type of cancer diagnostic test that combines microfluidic and microarray technology to pull cancer-derived nanoparticles straight from plasma.
Our long-term goal is to bring nanoparticle-based diagnostics to the clinic for the first time. We are currently hiring for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Research Assistant 2 or Senior Research Assistant.

• Development of biological particle separation techniques using dielectrophoresis technology – Using microelectrode array chips to recover cancer-derived nanoparticles from circulation. This work focuses on new nanoparticle recovery techniques, particle characterization and using dielectrophoretic forces.
• System automation – Continuing development and finalization of an automated system to conduct the dielectrophoresis work, increasing sample analysis throughput. This involves basic robotics and automation programming in Lab View.
• Cancer biomarker panel development – Evaluate the nanoparticle-associated biomarkers for their ability to detect pancreatic cancer from plasma samples.

• SRA:
  Bachelor’s degree in relevant field AND 1 year of relevant experience OR equivalent combination of training and experience
• RA2:
  Bachelor’s degree 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

• Experience working in a laboratory environment
• Ability to operate complex scientific equipment and develop and troubleshoot complex experimental protocols
• Exhibit a high level of consistency in running analytical assays and protocols
• Excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
• Knowledge of policy and regulations applicable to the laboratory, including but not limited to safety
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a high performing work group
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time
• Demonstrated ability to learn new and innovative processes quickly
• Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective…