Senior Research Assistant

Oregon Health & Science University • Beaverton, OR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The full-time Senior Research Assistant position is a split position between the Burwitz and Vrooman labs to conduct live animal work in mice and non-human primates, molecular assays, and laboratory management in an academic setting. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to: maintaining a mouse colony, performing approved experimental procedures in mice and non-human primates, conducting molecular biology and microscopy protocols, collecting, analyzing, and presenting data, manuscript preparation and writing, and maintaining a clean, well-functioning, and safe laboratory. This position reports directly to the Principal Investigators but must be able to independently manage their assigned research projects, perform research tasks with minimal errors, and provide appropriate training to collaborators, other research assistants, high school or undergraduate students in the lab. 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 will need to proactively perform general/routine laboratory duties such as cleaning and maintaining equipment and shared spaces, autoclaving, incubator/gas tank monitoring, assisting with reagent inventory, scheduling hazardous waste pickup, etc. They must also be able to professionally and effectively interact with other staff and trainees associated with their projects. They may, at times, conduct research activities at the ONPRC under another collaborating Principal Investigator. Conduct mouse and non-human primate experimental procedures with general supervision, including coordinating administration of diets/medications and monitoring, collecting and processing biological samples. For mouse husbandry, mating mice, checking pregnancies, weaning, genotyping, performing euthanasia, and overseeing general health concerns. Assisting in and ensuring regulatory compliance with animal use. Molecular, cellular, and developmental biology protocols: e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, qRT-PCR, DNA methylation assays, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, light microscopy. Data analysis and record keeping: Maintain up-to-date lab notebook with recorded protocols and data, create graphs, and perform basic statistical analyses. Writing & Presentations: Prepare written reports of methods, figures, and present data in weekly meetings. Perform literature searches relevant to research projects. Laboratory maintenance: Ordering and proper storage of supplies and reagents, preparing solutions, autoclaving, keep bench areas and equipment clean and compliant with safety standards, arrange chemical and biological waste, staying compliant with required trainings. Help provide functional guidance and mentorship to interns/students doing short-term projects in the laboratory.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field and 1 years of relevant experience; OR Equivalent combination of training and experience
• Proficiency in basic molecular biology techniques, e.g., DNA and RNA extraction, real-time quantitative PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal format
• Ability to work independently, one-on-one, and small group setting in a positive and productive manner
• Work efficiently and skillfully with a diverse group of staff and collaborators
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Familiarity with statistical programs
• Ability to prioritize work demands and coordinate work schedules/protocols with other staff
• Organizational and time management, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills to satisfactorily perform job duties independently and meet deadlines set by PI
• Ability to comprehend scientific articles and organize information into spreadsheets
• High level of self-motivation, reliability, and integrity

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or related field
• 1-3 years of research of experience in a laboratory setting
• Previous mouse husbandry, handling, and/or surgery experience
• Previous cell culture experience
• Proficiency in specialized molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Previous experience in next generation sequencing
• Experience keeping lab/data records

Responsibilities

• Maintaining a mouse colony
• Performing approved experimental procedures in mice and non-human primates
• Conducting molecular biology and microscopy protocols
• Collecting, analyzing, and presenting data
• Manuscript preparation and writing
• Maintaining a clean, well-functioning, and safe laboratory
• Proactively perform general/routine laboratory duties such as cleaning and maintaining equipment and shared spaces, autoclaving, incubator/gas tank monitoring, assisting with reagent inventory, scheduling hazardous waste pickup
• Professionally and effectively interact with other staff and trainees associated with their projects
• Conduct mouse and non-human primate experimental procedures with general supervision, including coordinating administration of diets/medications and monitoring, collecting and processing biological samples
• For mouse husbandry, mating mice, checking pregnancies, weaning, genotyping, performing euthanasia, and overseeing general health concerns
• Assisting in and ensuring regulatory compliance with animal use
• Performing molecular, cellular, and developmental biology protocols: e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, qRT-PCR, DNA methylation assays, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, light microscopy
• Maintaining up-to-date lab notebook with recorded protocols and data, create graphs, and perform basic statistical analyses
• Prepare written reports of methods, figures, and present data in weekly meetings
• Perform literature searches relevant to research projects
• Ordering and proper storage of supplies and reagents, preparing solutions, autoclaving, keep bench areas and equipment clean and compliant with safety standards, arrange chemical and biological waste, staying compliant with required trainings
• Help provide functional guidance and mentorship to interns/students doing short-term projects in the laboratory

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: Senior