Research Assistant

About the role

The Oregon National Primate 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 a 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

• Support the ongoing and newly funded research projects in the Infectious Disease Resource laboratory in the Division of Pathobiology at the Oregon National Primate Research Center of OHSU.
• Perform a variety of hands-on procedures with non-human primates and assist and perform laboratory procedures.
• Sample collection, data entry, and reporting of observations to supervisors.
• Contribute to general lab support duties, including cleaning, stocking and maintenance of laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Technical Research: Preparation and collection of blood, urine, feces, hair, lymph node, bone marrow, mucosal swabs, and other samples within the scope of infectious disease research.
• Shipping and handling of animal tissues to various support laboratories.
• Administer anti-retroviral therapy, antibody therapy, drugs, and sedatives to non-human primates.
• Assist with surgeries of non-human primates, including scheduling, anesthesia monitoring, recovery, aseptic technique, and administration of drugs, and assist with necropsies.
• Facilitate social environmental enrichment of and clinical support for non-human primates.
• Report Preparation: Prepare various reports containing descriptive and analytical data, evaluate data that may be submitted for clinical evaluations, SOPs, publications or contribution to grant application(s), progress reports, etc.
• Data Analysis/Records: Maintain accurate records of data obtained during research. Analyze and summarize data from ongoing projects and SPF breeding colonies. Schedule procedures, communicate changes, review for compliance, and update documentation.
• Laboratory Management: Order reagents, supplies, and equipment. Make reagent solutions; routine equipment maintenance, cleaning, and preparation for procedures. Perform laboratory assays such as chemistry panels, complete blood cell counts (CBCs), PBMC isolation, etc.
• Participate in meetings, facilitate communications, and support teammates within group and associated collaborators.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field such as biological science; OR Associate's AND 3 years of relevant experience; OR 4 years of relevant experience; OR Equivalent combination of training and experience.

Skills And Abilities

• Communicate effectively, including use and meaning of scientific terminology, in both written and oral formats.
• Work both independently and in a small group setting.
• 6 months relevant work experience in Microsoft Excel, Word.
• Demonstrate independence and competence to perform data management and analysis of research findings, including use of spreadsheets, graphics and statistical programs.
• Interact in a positive and productive manner, and work efficiently and skillfully with a variety of diverse staff.
• Prioritize work demands, and coordinate research protocols with other staff.
• Organize records, catalog samples, data entry and statistical analysis, laboratory maintenance, autoclaving and use of sterile techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal sciences, Immunology, Pathology or similar.
• Demonstrated experience supporting in vivo research with laboratory animals, especially nonhuman primates.
• Molecular/cell biology, animal physiology or endocrinology, and one year laboratory work experience performing technical procedures covered by the USDA and/or OLAW.
• Experience maintaining inventories of laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Experience working with non-human primates, conducting sedation, phlebotomy, aseptic technique, injections, sample collections (BAL, feces, urine) and/or necropsies.