Postdoctoral Researcher

Oregon Health & Science University • Beaverton, OR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Vrooman laboratory at the Oregon National Primate Research Center is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to support NIH-funded studies focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying abnormal placenta development with assisted reproductive technologies, like in vitro fertilization. The postdoctoral researcher will conduct live animal procedures under supervision of veterinarians and animal care staff, establish and apply trophoblast cell culture and flow cytometry assays, and perform other rigorous and high-quality molecular bench work in an academic setting. Specific responsibilities include: performing minimally invasive procedures with rhesus macaques under supervision of animal care and veterinary staff, conducting molecular biology and microscopy protocols of high complexity, collecting, analyzing, and presenting data, manuscript preparation and writing, and maintaining a clean, well-functioning, and safe laboratory. Attention to detail, maintaining accurate data records, and excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. This position reports directly to Dr. Lisa Vrooman but must be able to independently manage their assigned research projects and perform research tasks with minimal errors. It is considered an essential worker position that requires reporting in-person during inclement weather or other emergencies when applicable to time-sensitive experiments involving animals or animal welfare. They must also be able to professionally and effectively interact with other staff and trainees associated with their projects. Desire to mentor high school, undergraduate, graduate students, and new staff highly preferred. The postdoctoral researcher will be highly encouraged to publish first-author work, present at regional and national conferences, and participate in other career development opportunities.

Requirements

• Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or D.V.M./Ph.D.
• Strong background knowledge in women’s health and reproductive biology.
• General understanding of basic molecular biology techniques, e.g., DNA and RNA extraction, real-time quantitative PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.
• Ability to synthesize data/results and others’ findings/literature to formulate and test hypotheses.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal format.
• Ability to work independently, one-on-one, and in a small group setting in a positive and productive manner.
• Ability to prioritize work demands and coordinate work schedules/protocols with other staff.
• Work efficiently and skillfully with a diverse group of staff and collaborators.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Experience with statistical programs to run t-tests, ANOVAs, and basic descriptive statistics.
• Organizational and time management, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills to satisfactorily perform job duties independently and meet mutually agreed upon deadlines.
• High level of self-motivation, reliability, and integrity.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. degree in Biology, Physiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or related field.
• Strong publication record with first-author publications.
• Minimum of 4 years of performing hands-on biomedical research.
• Demonstrated passion for women’s health research.
• Strong desire to work with animal models and demonstrated commitment to animal welfare.
• Submission of a first-author manuscript.
• Presentation at a national or international conference.
• Experience working with non-human primates.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture systems.
• Experience with histology, microscopy, and quantitative image analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor students or other research staff.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular, cellular, and developmental biology experiments of high complexity: e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, light microscopy, cell culture, flow cytometry, etc.
• Conduct and manage coordination of non-human primate experimental procedures, including perform/schedule blood draws, vaginal swabs, administration of oral and injectable medications, monitoring menstrual cycles, collecting and processing biological samples.
• Assisting in and ensuring compliance with animal use.
• Data analysis and record keeping: Maintain up-to-date lab notebook with recorded protocols and data, update lab protocols/SOPs, create graphs, and perform basic statistical analysis.
• Writing & Presentations: Present data in weekly meetings. Prepare and write manuscript drafts. Perform literature searches relevant to research projects.
• Laboratory maintenance: Contributing to a clean and safe laboratory environment by informing staff of low levels of reagents or broken equipment, preparing one’s own or shared working reagents, keeping bench areas and equipment clean and compliant with safety standards, staying compliant with required trainings.
• Mentorship: Help provide guidance, supervision, and mentorship to interns/students and other research staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Healthcare for full-time employees covered 100% and 88% for dependents.
• $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from.
• Paid time off - 208 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
• Extended illness bank - 64 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
• 9 paid holidays per year.
• Substantial Tri-Met and C-Tran discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Childcare service discounts.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts to local and major businesses.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree