Research Assistant

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.

This position involves research (using animal models) in programs studying the impact of maternal SIV and antiretroviral therapy on fetal development. This person will be expected to grow to function independently, as a lab manager, contribute to the generation of data for the purpose of publication, and must be able to interact and communicate effectively with ONPRC staff and collaborators. 

Technical Research

• Independently contribute to, and participate in ongoing research projects related to SIV using NHP animal models, by conducting in vivo and vitro experiments.
• Plan, or assist in planning, experiments and develop new technologies in the laboratory.
• Assume responsibility for specific components of research projects, including the following: in vitro experiments using cell collection and analysis of tissue and cell samples.   
• Participate in histological analysis utilizing NHP samples by performing immunohistochemistry assays and data analysis using ImageJ.
• Assist with NHP cell isolations of peripheral tissues and white blood cells, and perform subsequent cell culture assays.
• Assist with sample cryopreservation and shipment to collaborators. 

Laboratory Procedures

• Maintain and follow laboratory protocols.
• Assist others by performing research support procedures including, but not limited to: clean laboratory glassware and maintain equipment; clean lab benches, water baths and incubators.
• Prepare various laboratory solutions.
• Process and disposal of biohazard, and chemical waste as well as disposal of autoclaved materials following standard laboratory protocols.
• Assist with general maintenance of the laboratory, including maintaining supply inventories and meeting regulatory requirements.

Other

• As needed, perform data analysis and technical writing.
• Other duties as assigned.

• 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.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, in both written and oral formats.
• Ability to work both independently and in a small group setting, and one-on-one with collaborators  in a positive and producive manner, and to work efficiently and skillfully with a variety of diverse staff and collaborators.
• Working knowledge (6 months relevant work experience) of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point.
• Demonstrated independence and competence to perform data management and analysis of research finding, including use of spreadsheets, graphics and statistical programs.
• Ability to prioritize work demands, and coordinate research protocols with other staff.
• Organizational skills and careful attention to details to satisfactorily perform job duties.

• Master's degree in Biological Science or Animal Science field.

• 2-3 year experience working with animals in a research setting, including in vivo and in vitro experiments, molecular biology, analysis of tissues and cell samples by real-time PCR, ELISA, and exposure to cell culture techniques.

• 4-5 year experience working with animal models, fetal biology, cell isolation and tissue preservation, flow cytometry, histology, microscopy and image analysis.
• 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.

Work schedule varies depending on specific experiments; it can be 10:00am – 2:30pm or 2:30pm – 5:30pm. 

Work is performed in both laboratory and animal handling settings, which carry a potential risk of exposure to chemicals, biohazard materials, dry ice, and low-level radioactivity; and zoonotic agents through injury, by direct contact with animals or their tissues and body fluids, or by contact with equipment contaminated by animals or their tissues and body fluids.

Ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 30 lbs. Ability to stand for several continuous hours and perform repetitive manual procedures, such as pipetting.