Sr. Research Assistant, Beaverton

Department Overview:
The 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

Function/Duties of Position:
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. 

 

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards:

 

Specialized Area of Responsibility

Assist with specialized projects and procedures including but not limited to coordination with multiple research groups to help ensure that the thousands of procedures expected each year are appropriately organized and scheduled in ways that allow for them to be successfully performed by IDR and associated collaborating groups

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

May provide training and oversight of staff for projects and procedures

Develop written reports, laboratory practices/guidelines, and regulatory documentation as appropriate

Assists 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

Possess general knowledge of research practices, and assists others the methodology and laboratory practices

Administration of therapies and medications (oral, IV, IM, or SQ)

May 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 and ensure regulatory compliance

Technical Skills:

Perform a variety of laboratory maintenance including, but not limited to machine maintenance, cleaning instruments, running assays and processing samples, and maintaining an organized work space.

Assist with and perform biopsies (LN, BM) and Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) on non-human primates

Coordinate scheduling and drug administration for various projects.

Perform Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) administration

Collection and preparation of blood samples, shipping and handling of animal tissues to various support laboratories

Collection, data entry, and statistical analysis of data and reporting of research findings in written and oral formats.

Laboratory Management, Administrative Duties, and Records

Managing production, supplies, and coordination with research units

Training and supervising of research assistants

Order reagents, supplies and equipment

Make reagent solutions; routine equipment maintenance

Maintain accurate animal health records

Participate in meetings, facilitate communications, and support teammates within group and associated collaborators.

Data Analysis and Report Preparation

Prepare reports containing descriptive and analytical data, evaluate data that may be submitted for publication or contribution to grant application(s), progress reports, etc.

Analyze and summarize data from ongoing projects and SPF breeding colonies

Present research findings to fellow laboratory staff and researchers in the Division of Pathobiology

Perform various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Required Qualifications:
Education:

Bachelor's in relevant field AND 1 year of relevant experience OR

Equivalent combination of training and experience

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

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 finding, including use of spreadsheets, graphics and statistical programs

Ability to interact in a positive and productive manner, and to work efficiently and skillfully with a variety of diverse staff

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

 

Preferred Qualifications:
Education:

Bachelor degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal sciences, immunology or pathology

Experience:

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 

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

Maintaining inventories of laboratory supplies and equipment

Experience with geriatic or immune compromised and ABSL3 with non-human primates

Registrations, Certifications and/or Licenses:

Preferred current Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) license

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 (phone number removed) or .