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 roles will contribute to research advancing antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapeutics and tissue-specific delivery technologies for genetic and infectious diseases. The positions are available immediately, with an anticipated start date of November 20, 2026, and an anticipated end date of June 30, 2027. 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 spans bioconjugation and analytical chemistry, cell and molecular biology, and pharmacology. The researcher will develop bioanalytical methods and conduct cellular and animal studies to assess delivery, biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic activity, while investigating cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, and target engagement. Research programs address conditions including spinal muscular atrophy, primary ciliary dyskinesia, Powassan virus infection, Nipah virus infection, and beta-coronavirus diseases. The position involves collaboration with academic and industry partners on translational research supported by federal, biopharma, and private funding. The researcher will also prepare manuscripts, technical reports, presentations, and grant applications. Work takes place primarily in a laboratory and office environment, with laboratory safety procedures and appropriate personal protective equipment required. Occasional evening or weekend work may be needed for experiments, project deadlines, or conference travel. Starting salary is commensurate with skills, education, and experience.
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 at least two 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 under University Standard 05-010 et seq.; incumbents must self-report convictions. Youth-program incumbents may undergo additional criminal history checks every 24 months.
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.
- Experience in pharmacology, toxicology, and preclinical therapeutic evaluation in animal models.
Responsibilities
- Design, synthesize, purify, 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 evaluating delivery efficiency, biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic activity.
- Investigate mechanisms of cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, and target engagement of oligonucleotide therapeutics.
- Contribute to delivery-enabled Morpholino therapeutic development 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 on translational drug-delivery research programs.
- Prepare manuscripts, technical reports, presentations, and grant applications.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
