Assistant Staff Scientist

Oregon Health & Science University•Portland, OR

23h

About The Position

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. Our Commitment to Diversity: 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 This position has at least 3 years of postgraduate research experience in the practice of science and team science. They are likely to have deep expertise in a singular area of focus, but may also have worked as boundary spanners across multiple fields. This position requires a strong track record of scholarly activity, including high-quality peer-reviewed publications or other translational research activities. A Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a relevant field is required for this position. Experience in chemical synthesis of small molecules, liquid chromatography, bioconjugation reactions, nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, drug delivery, and small animal tumor models are required. A record of collaborative research, or the potential for collaborative research, is a requirement for this position. This position will primarily work on Dr. Adem Yildirim’s external grants. They should also have the potential to both lead and participate on team projects in Dr. Yildirim’s group.

Requirements

Doctoral degree in relevant field and 3 to 5 years of relevant postdoctoral work experience
Chemical synthesis of small molecules and/or polymers
Bioconjugation reactions
Drug delivery
Liquid chromatography including HPLC, LC-MS, and FPLC
Nanomaterial synthesis
Experience in nanomaterial characterization including electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering analysis, and absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopies
Experience in cell culture
Fluorescence microscopy
Experience in small animal models for testing efficacy of nanomaterials in the treatment and detection of solid tumors
Excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
Strong publication record
Experience handling chemical and biologically hazardous materials
Knowledge of policy and regulations applicable to the laboratory, including but not limited to chemical safety and animal handling
Technical proficiency, scientific creativity collaborative ability, and independent thinker
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 working relationships
Ability to operate complex scientific equipment and develop and troubleshoot complex experimental protocols

Nice To Haves

Background in materials science and/or chemistry
Expertise in one of our focus areas relevant to this position: early detection technology, prognosis assessment, early therapeutics
Experience in ultrasound imaging and therapy setups

Responsibilities

With input from Dr. Yildirim develop and manage research experiments, determining the most suitable methods to be used.
Interpret and perform complex data analysis on experimental results and determine whether they are consistent with goals.
Ensure that research team members maintain accurate and detailed records of all experimental procedures, data collections and analysis performed.
With input from Dr. Yildirim help to develop and oversee laboratory research projects. I ncluding identification of scientific problem, design of approach to address it, and identification, acquisition and management of resources to perform investigations.
Assign personnel, track their progress, and ensure maximum productivity.
Foster and support teamwork.
Provide training and guidance to more junior team members including postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, research assistants, and undergraduate students.
Maintain a high level of professional expertise through familiarity with current scientific literature.
As needed, develop innovative techniques and experimental systems to meet research program goals.
Prepare research findings for presentation at scientific meetings and conferences and manuscripts for publication.
Prepare research project proposals for internal review, prepare annual or bi-annual research progress summaries and presentations for CEDAR scientists and staff.

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision coverage at no or low cost to employees
Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents
Several retirement plans to choose from with contributions from OHSU
25 days a year of paid time off
8 days of sick time off
Commuter subsidies
Tuition reimbursement
Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits
Annual Merit Increase
Growth/Development Opportunities
Employee discounts to local and major businesses