Research Assistant

Oregon Health & Science University • Portland, OR

20d • Onsite

About The Position

A full-time Research Assistant/Technician position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Fikadu Tafesse in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at OHSU. Our laboratory studies how pathogens exploit host factors to promote invasion, persistence, and pathogenesis. A major focus of the lab is defining the roles of cellular lipids in bacterial and viral infection and determining how these pathways shape innate and adaptive immune responses. We study major human pathogens, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, SARS-CoV-2, Zika virus, Dengue virus, and HIV. In parallel, we develop nanobody-based tools for mechanistic studies and translational applications, including diagnostic development.

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.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree with honor thesis in the field biochemistry, biology or chemistry.
• 0-4 years of research wet lab experience at undergraduate level.
• Good organizational skills and excellent attention to details.
• Must be willing to learn and grow.
• Excellent documentation skills.
• Ability to perform as a team member.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform and support a range of laboratory activities, including: Microscopy, phagocytosis assays, mammalian tissue culture, flow cytometry, and related cellular and biochemical methods.
• Molecular biology techniques, including cloning and construct generation.
• CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, clone isolation, and validation by molecular assays and sequencing.
• Recombinant protein expression, purification, and characterization.
• Nanobody-related workflows, including antigen preparation, protein purification, screening, validation, and downstream functional assays.
• Independent execution of routine and complex experiments.
• Laboratory ordering, inventory management, and maintenance of reagent and sample records.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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