Senior Research Assistant

Department Overview

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

• Maintaining a mouse colony
• Performing approved experimental procedures in mice and non‑human primates
• Conducting molecular biology and microscopy protocols
• Collecting, analyzing, and presenting data
• Manuscript preparation and writing
• Maintaining a clean, well‑functioning, and safe laboratory
• Independently managing assigned research projects
• Performing research tasks with minimal errors
• Providing appropriate training to collaborators, other research assistants, high school or undergraduate students
• Reporting in‑person during inclement weather or emergencies for time‑sensitive animal experiments
• Performing general/routine laboratory duties: cleaning/maintaining equipment and shared spaces, autoclaving, incubator/gas tank monitoring, assisting with reagent inventory, scheduling hazardous waste pickup
• Professionally and effectively interacting with staff and trainees
• Conducting research activities at ONPRC under a collaborating Principal Investigator
• Conducting mouse and non‑human primate experimental procedures with general supervision, including coordinating administration of diets/medications and monitoring, collecting and processing biological samples
• Mouse husbandry: mating mice, checking pregnancies, weaning, genotyping, performing euthanasia, overseeing general health concerns
• Assisting in and ensuring regulatory compliance with animal use
• Performing molecular, cellular, and developmental biology protocols (DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, qRT‑PCR, DNA methylation assays, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, light microscopy)
• Maintaining an up‑to‑date lab notebook with recorded protocols and data, creating graphs, performing basic statistical analyses
• Preparing written reports of methods and figures, presenting data in weekly meetings, performing literature searches relevant to research projects
• Ordering and proper storage of supplies and reagents, preparing solutions, autoclaving, keeping bench areas and equipment clean and compliant with safety standards, arranging chemical and biological waste, staying compliant with required trainings
• Providing functional guidance and mentorship to interns/students doing short‑term projects in the laboratory

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in relevant field and 1 year of relevant experience; OR Equivalent combination of training and experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency in basic molecular biology techniques, e.g., DNA and RNA extraction, real‑time quantitative PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal format.
• Ability to work independently, one‑on‑one, and in small group settings in a positive and productive manner.
• Work efficiently and skillfully with a diverse group of staff and collaborators.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with statistical programs.
• Ability to prioritize work demands and coordinate work schedules/protocols with other staff.
• Organizational and time management, attention to detail, and problem‑solving skills to satisfactorily perform job duties independently and meet deadlines set by PI.
• Ability to comprehend scientific articles and organize information into spreadsheets.
• High level of self‑motivation,