Research Assistant

Oregon Health & Science University•Portland, OR

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics (MMG) encompasses numerous research faculty, clinicians, fellows, and students with diverse research interests surrounding molecular and medical genetics approaches to understanding the basis and treatment of human disease. This role is a key position as a Research Assistant in the laboratory of Dr. Brian O'Roak studying the genetic basis and developmental neuroscience of autism and related disorders. Key responsibilities will include supporting studies utilizing rodent and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) models, human cell culture, as well as human genomics projects.

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.
Basic laboratory skills and knowledge of standard molecular biology techniques.
Sterile tissue culture technique.
High level of attention to detail and proven ability to manage time effectively, especially with competing priorities.
Knowledge of academic research settings and ability to work with qualitative and/or quantitative methods of data collection.
Ability to communicate well and work with faculty and staff within the department and University.
Ability to take initiative and work independently and in a team environment.
Ability to complete tasks in an accurate and timely manner.

Nice To Haves

A strong background with rodent models and/or stem cell tissue culture, including genotyping and animal husbandry, is strongly preferred.
Experience in neuroscience, human genetics/genomics, or molecular biology (genome editing) is also preferred.
Bachelor's degree in the biological sciences.
2-4 years of experience serving on a research team.
Pluripotent stem cell culture.
Mouse handling and colony management.
Human genetics/genomics.
Advanced molecular biology.
Next-generation library preparation.

Responsibilities

Provides assistance with mouse colony management and husbandry, tissue dissection, immunohistochemistry and genotyping.
Assists with running behavioral assays and maintaining cell cultures.
Plans, conducts, and completes laboratory experiments under the supervision of the head of the laboratory.
Performs primary molecular genetic techniques including PCR, gel electrophoresis, enzymatic analyses, fluorescence assisted cell sorting (FACS), fluorescent and light microscopy, plasmid preparation, DNA isolation from mouse and human tissues, next-generation library preparation, and studies of gene expression.
Operates a variety of instruments and scientific equipment, including operation, quality control and maintenance.
Assists with experiments and assays, preparing solutions, collecting and entering data, maintaining databases, assuring compliance with established safety procedures and maintaining required documentation.
Collects, records, organizes and verifies the accuracy of data.
Conducts literature searches and summarizes information in an appropriate format for a particular study.
Documents and interprets results of experiments and reports to principal investigator.
Presents experimental results at lab meetings and participates in journal and research group meetings.
Assists in the daily operation of the lab including hazardous waste disposal, sterilization of equipment, cleaning glassware, general servicing of equipment and ordering lab supplies, and preparation of media and buffers.
Other duties as assigned.