Research Assistant 1

at  Oregon Health Science University

Department Overview:
Overview: The Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research (CEDAR) center is a collaborative institution within the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. The Knight Cancer Institute, known as one of the pioneers in personalized cancer medicine, is an international leader in research and cancer treatment. At CEDAR our mission is to detect and stop lethal cancers at the earliest stage because early detection saves lives. This is an ambitious goal, one that requires novelty, creativity, and innovation. We are comprised of biologists, chemists, biomedical engineers, computationalists, and clinicians conducting groundbreaking translational cancer research to help people maintain a high quality of life and reduce cancer mortality, to create a global early detection community, and to have a positive impact on the Oregon economy.
Our Commitment to Diversity: CEDAR is committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community. We are dedicated to promoting inclusion and multiculturalism by having outstanding researchers of diverse backgrounds work together on multiple projects. We encourage high-risk, high-reward research projects because defeating cancer requires out-of-the-box thinking and new perspectives. Our research is milestone driven to ensure that each project is fulfilling its stated goals.

Every Knight Cancer employee is expected to embody our guiding principles:

• We act BOLDLY—Breakthroughs require pushing the boundaries of science, exploring new frontiers, and thinking differently
• We SUPPORT each other—Respect leads to trust, which leads to excellence
• We work as a CONNECTED team—We must leverage our collective brain power to conquer cancer because no one individual can do it alone

Function/Duties of Position:
The Knight Cancer Precision Biofabrication Hub at the Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center (CEDAR), is recruiting for a Research Assistant 1 who can provide a full range of support in the research laboratory, with minimal supervision. Must be able to work effectively with team members, and independently solve problems. The position will focus on technical assistance in support of several projects including (but not limited to): maintaining and expanding cell cultures from cell lines and primary cells, immunofluorescence staining, hydrogel preparation, laboratory maintenance, ordering and inventorying laboratory supplies.
A strong preference will be given to applicants with knowledge of biomaterials, tissue engineering, and cancer research. Past experience with organoids, bioprinting, or Organs on-a-chip are a plus. The ideal candidate will have a degree in biomedical engineering, biomaterials or stem cell research, a record of publications, a proven record of independence, and a background in tissue engineering. The position includes a significant amount of basic laboratory operations (basic instrumentation maintenance, general laboratory support, biosafety, ordering materials and supplies) and support with editing grants/manuscripts.
Duties include but are not limited to:

Laboratory research:

• Hydrogel synthesis and characterization, fabrication of microfluidic devices
• Cell culture, immunostaining, hydrogel cell encapsulation, tracking of cell activity (differentiation, protein expression via rtPCR, mineralization, etc)
• Basic laboratory work
• Always exemplifies and promotes CEDAR culture

Required Qualifications:

Education & experience:

• Bachelor’s in any field OR Associate’s and 2 years of relevant experience OR 3 years of relevant experience OR equivalent combination of training and experience

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Understanding of basic chemical principles and laboratory research
• Willingness to learn new techniques and procedures
• Excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time
• Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships
• Demonstrated ability to learn new and innovative processes quickly
• Ability to analyze short and long term project needs
• Technical proficiency, scientific creativity, and independent thinking
• Knowledge of policy and regulations applicable to the laboratory, including but not limited to safety, animal use and radiation
• Ability to operate complex scientific equipment and develop and troubleshoot complex experimental protocols
• Experience handling chemical and biologically hazardous materials

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors in Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Biomaterials, or Stem Cell Biology
• Masters in tissue engineering, and previous experience with stem cells
• Laboratory experience with tissue engineering, stem cell culture and hydrogels
• Relevant techniques including stem cell culture, hydrogel synthesis, mechanical testing, electron and fluorescence microscopy, biomineralization, or immunohistochemistry

Additional Details:
Apply online. Please be sure to upload a Cover Letter and Resume/CV.

Please refer the Job description for details