Sr. Research Assistant

Oregon Health & Science University • Beaverton, OR

79d

About The Position

The Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) is located 12 miles west of the OHSU main campus, and sits on 162 acres of land featuring forested areas, research and administration buildings, indoor and outdoor animal housing, and 2-mile perimeter walking path. Our mission is to improve human health and the quality of life through the support of nonhuman primate research programs that advance our knowledge of the causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of debilitating diseases. This individual will be responsible for specific sections of ongoing and newly funded projects using non-human primates in the study of the immune system, immunodeficiencies, infectious diseases, and specific pathogen free non-human primate projects supported by infectious disease research laboratories and the Infectious Disease Resource in the Division of Pathobiology at ONPRC. They may have responsibility for overseeing labs or research units, collecting and processing animal tissues, training and supervising of research assistants (1 and 2), and preparation of written reports and, as applicable, regulatory documentation. They may assist with necropsies and sample collection and processing of terminal tissue samples. They may provide technical and administrative support for principle investigative staff and the pathologists of the Experimental Pathology Unit to ensure terminal endpoints are coordinated and performed efficiently. Coordinate with the veterinary, animal care, surgical, and principle investigative staff to facilitate project expectations, schedules, and progress, and in some cases to facilitate social environmental enrichment of non-human primates. They will also be responsible for various general lab support duties, including maintenance of laboratory supplies and equipment, autoclaving, and disposal of waste.

Requirements

• Bachelor's in relevant field AND 1 years of relevant experience OR equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively including use and meaning of scientific terminology, in both written and oral formats.
• Ability to work both independently and in a small group setting.
• Working knowledge (6 months relevant work experience) of Microsoft Excel, Word.
• Demonstrated independence and competence to perform data management and analysis of research findings, including use of spreadsheets, graphics and statistical programs.
• Ability to prioritize work demands, and coordinate research protocols with other staff.
• Organizational skills and careful attention to details to satisfactorily perform job duties requiring procedural steps to be consistent and completed fully and timely.
• Detailed record keeping, cataloging of samples, data entry and statistical analysis, laboratory maintenance, autoclaving and use of sterile techniques.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal sciences, immunology or pathology.
• Preferred current Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) license.
• Has a minimum of 1 year of laboratory experience in molecular/cellular biology, animal, and/or invivo research.
• 2 years laboratory work experience performing immunoassays and cell separation techniques.
• Experience in managing labs or research units, training and supervising of students and RA’s.
• Experience assisting with necropsy in non-human primates.
• Experience administering drugs and medication to non-human primates.

Responsibilities

• Assist with specialized projects and procedures including coordination with multiple research groups to ensure that the thousands of procedures expected each year are appropriately organized and scheduled.
• Coordinate and execute specialized projects and procedures in ABSL2+ and ABSL3 level work with non-human primates.
• Maintain and execute protocols for gastrointestinal pathogen free and MRSA free colonies.
• Perform antibody infusions, drug infusion, hematology, cell transfers in non-human primates.
• Provide training and oversight of staff for projects and procedures.
• Develop written reports, laboratory practices/guidelines, and regulatory documentation as appropriate.
• Assist with acquiring computerized tomography images in non-human primates.
• Provide detailed observation and communication to veterinarians/PIs for obese, highly immunosuppressed, geriatric, and infant macaques.
• Administer therapies and medications (oral, IV, IM, or SQ).
• Perform floubeam, flow cytometry, cell separation and proliferation, and additional benchwork duties as assigned.
• Maintain working knowledge of regulations set forth by the USDA, OLAW, AAALAC, and other agency guidelines that govern research in non-human primates.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree