Faculty Research Assistant/Research Associate: Veterinary Biomedical Sciences
About The Position
The Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences in Oregon State University's Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine is hiring two full-time, 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant or Research Associate positions in the laboratory of Dr. Hong Moulton. The positions are available immediately and focus on advancing antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapeutics and delivery technologies for genetic and infectious diseases. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head. The successful candidate will design, synthesize, purify, and characterize Morpholino oligonucleotide conjugates incorporating tissue-targeting peptides, antibodies, lipids, and other delivery molecules. The work addresses tissue-specific delivery and includes bioconjugation chemistry, analytical chemistry, cell and molecular biology, and pharmacology. The researcher will contribute to translational programs supported by federal, biopharma, and private funding, working with academic and industry collaborators. Applications include spinal muscular atrophy, primary ciliary dyskinesia, Powassan virus infection, Nipah virus infection, and beta-coronavirus diseases. Work is performed primarily in a laboratory and office environment. The position requires compliance with laboratory safety procedures and use of appropriate personal protective equipment. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support experiments, project deadlines, or conference travel. Salary is commensurate with skills, education, and experience. The anticipated start date is November 20, 2026, and the anticipated end date is June 30, 2027.
Requirements
- For the Faculty Research Assistant appointment: an M.S. or B.S. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bioengineering, or a closely related field, and more than four years of relevant laboratory research experience.
- For the Research Associate appointment: a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bioengineering, or a closely related field.
- For the Research Associate appointment: a demonstrated record of research productivity, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
- Demonstrated reliability, integrity, initiative, and a constructive approach to collaborative research.
- Experience in two or more of the following areas: bioconjugation chemistry; liquid chromatography purification methods and instrumentation; nucleic acid therapeutics; drug delivery; pharmacokinetics and bioanalytical method development; cell culture and imaging techniques.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
- Must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined position qualified.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with antisense oligonucleotides, Morpholino oligonucleotides (PMOs), peptide-PMO conjugates, antibody-PMO conjugates, 2’-OMe, 2’-MOE, LNA, PNA, siRNA, or mRNA therapeutics.
- HPLC or FPLC purification method development.
- HPLC or FPLC instrumentation and troubleshooting.
- Conjugation of peptides, proteins, lipids, or antibodies to macromolecules.
- Bioanalytical assay development for analyzing drug concentrations in tissues and plasma.
- Experience with LC-MS/MS, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, or other cellular imaging techniques.
- Pharmacology, toxicology, and preclinical therapeutic evaluation in animal models.
Responsibilities
- Design, synthesize, and characterize peptide-, antibody-, and lipid-conjugated oligonucleotide delivery systems.
- Develop and apply bioanalytical methods to quantify Morpholino antisense oligonucleotides in biological samples and animal tissues.
- Conduct cellular and animal studies to evaluate delivery efficiency, biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic activity.
- Investigate mechanisms governing cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, and target engagement of oligonucleotide therapeutics.
- Contribute to development of delivery-enabled Morpholino therapeutics for genetic and infectious diseases, including spinal muscular atrophy, primary ciliary dyskinesia, Powassan virus infection, Nipah virus infection, and beta-coronavirus diseases.
- Collaborate with academic and industry partners to advance translational drug-delivery research programs.
- Prepare manuscripts, technical reports, presentations, and grant applications.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
