Research Assistant II at Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, Oregon, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

07 May, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

06 Feb, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Cell Culture, Mouse Handling, Genotyping, Molecular Biology, Immunohistochemistry, Imaging, Data Acquisition, Experimental Planning, Data Interpretation, Record Keeping, Lab Management, Organizational Skills, Attention to Detail

Industry

Higher Education

Description

Department Overview The Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine is integral to the healthcare, education and research missions at OHSU. We provide clinical services at OHSU hospitals and collaborate with the Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System (VA), Hillsboro Medical Center and Adventist Health. We specialize in providing excellent perioperative care and anesthesia services to our patients using state-of-the-art technology and pharmacologic tools with an emphasis on patient safety. Our department's research program is robust. We have an active clinical research division. It covers a wide range of areas with a special focus on patient safety and pain management. Our basic science division has labs at both OHSU and the VA. Attending physicians, fellows, residents, and medical students work collaboratively with Ph.D. scientists in our labs to advance human health. This division is focused on neuroscience and renal physiology. This position will involve the performance of basic and translational research focusing on the mechanisms controlling neuronal circuit function in both healthy and diseased brains in a dynamic neuroscience laboratory environment. We study the mammalian brain, both from a molecular/cellular perspective, as well as at the level of neuronal microcircuit function. Currently ongoing projects within the lab utilize genetic and viral approaches to label adult-born neurons and hippocampal interneurons, to manipulate their gene expression and activity. We also investigate how these new cells wire into circuits in the context of various neurologic diseases, such as epilepsy and traumatic brain injury, with the intention of using this knowledge to eventually improve human health. The successful candidate for this position will participate in high impact research at the intersection of experimental neuroscience, neurophysiology and clinical translation. This position involves technical, experimental, and administrative components. Approximately 20 hours per week will be spent in support of different projects within the lab, and include cell culture, mouse colony maintenance and genotyping, stereotaxic delivery of viral vectors, translational brain injury and epilepsy modeling, immunohistochemical sample preparation and processing, and confocal microscopy. Other responsibilities include: maintaining the overall daily operations of the animal surgery core laboratory including maintaining laboratory supplies, equipment, and supply chain management and understand and follow all regulatory and laboratory safety compliance policies. The optimal candidate would be interested and willing to contribute to going projects, and eventually develop and sustain an independent project in collaboration with their mentor (Dr Butler) and other lab members. It is assumed that all candidates will have had substantial biology exposure as undergraduates, interest in neurobiological research, and be interested in independent research. Undergraduate laboratory experience is preferred, but specific knowledge of individual techniques is not required, as they will be taught to the individual by laboratory members. A high level of engagement in this work is essential, as are strong record-keeping, organizational skills, and attention to detail. Ability/willingness to make a two year commitment is strongly preferred. Function/Duties of Position Hands-on technical work, including mouse handling, genotyping, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, and imaging Data acquisition, preparation and presentation Participate in academic development, hypothesis generation, experimental planning, data interpretation Record keeping, lab supply ordering, lab management Required Qualifications 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 Ability to perform the job duties with or without accommodation. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s in Biology, Neuroscience, or related degree Involvement with primary/original research projects at the undergraduate level, with letter(s) of recommendation Familiarity with neuroscience, cell biology, and molecular biology Additional Details The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working around moving parts, carts, or machines; with viral constructs or irritant chemicals. Employees are required to use protective clothing or gear such as masks, gowns, ear plugs, coats, goggles, gloves, or shields to moderate risks, or to follow procedures for minimizing risk. While the work schedule is flexible, but ideally would be weekdays from 9am - 5pm or 10am - 6pm. Occasionally there may be a need to check animals on weekends. Willingness to work with mice in a laboratory setting is necessary. All are welcome Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.

Responsibilities

The position involves hands-on technical work, including mouse handling, genotyping, and immunohistochemistry. The successful candidate will also participate in academic development and maintain the daily operations of the animal surgery core laboratory.