Research Assistant 2

Oregon Health & Science University • Portland, OR

15h • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Assistant 2 will work in the lab of Dr. Rose Hill in the Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry (CPB) at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). The responsibilities of this position will involve performing and supporting research on interoception and kidney physiology. In the past, we found that sensory nerves innervate key structures within the kidney. Recently, we are interested in testing the function of these nerves in health and disease using modern neuroscience approaches in mice, including but not limited to: in vivo calcium imaging of sensory neuron activity, optogenetic manipulation of sensory nerve activity with monitoring of kidney function, perturbation of renal sensory nerve function in animal models of kidney disease and inflammation, and histological and anatomical characterization of renal sensory nerves. The successful candidate will work on at least one project and will have training, interest, and/or a background in neuroscience and/or physiology. The successful candidate may at times be tasked to assist a postdoctoral fellow and/or graduate student with a portion of their independent project. A significant part of the position will also be to conduct and supervise activities related to the breeding, maintenance, and genotyping of the laboratory’s transgenic mouse colony. Individuals hired into this role are permitted to apply and participate in OHSU PROPEL, a 1–2-year workforce training program aimed at broadening access to careers in biomedical research. OHSU PROPEL provides professional development to Research Assistants who are intent on earning their doctoral degree as part of their long-term career goals. Program activities include attendance at scientific seminars, journal clubs, short courses, meetings with research and career mentors, and completing milestones (e.g., submitting graduate program applications, designing a research poster, and delivering an oral presentation, etc.). Involvement in the program aims to enhance scientific identity formation and empower scholars to effectively navigate their career transitions.

Requirements

• 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively, in both written and oral formats.
• Ability to work both independently and with others in a positive and productive manner.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and GraphPad Prism software.
• High level of self-motivation and integrity.
• Organizational skills and careful attention to details to satisfactorily perform job duties.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments and cordially coordinate use of research equipment and laboratory space with other staff.

Nice To Haves

• At least 1 year of relevant research experience in a laboratory setting.
• Exposure to neuroscience, cell biology, and/or molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with making laboratory solutions and keeping experimental records.
• Experience with rodent handling.
• Experience with animal procedures, including: behavioral testing, surgeries, injections.
• Experience with troubleshooting PCR, molecular cloning, and/or mouse genotyping protocols.
• Experience with immunohistochemistry and/or histology.
• Experience with light microscopy.

Responsibilities

• Under general supervision, performs research experiments and analyzes results for projects within the lab.
• Contributes to the development of experimental procedures and standard operating procedures within the lab, including animal use protocols.
• Maintains an accurate lab notebook and mouse colony records.
• Maintains lab equipment and supplies and assists with ordering.
• Performs animal husbandry tasks, including but not limited to: setting up breedings, weaning mice, obtaining DNA samples, and genotyping.
• If selected, participate in OHSU PROPEL activities (no more than 5 hours/week), including seminars, short courses, and mentor meetings, to enhance research experience and career development.
• Apply program insights to research tasks and career planning, meeting key milestones that demonstrate proactive engagement and support professional growth.
• If not selected, this time will be re-focused onto research experiments and/or data analysis.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor in furtherance of the university’s missions and goals of teaching, research, patient care, outreach and public service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level