The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute is a world leader in treating leukemia. Our director, Dr. Brian Druker, is an internationally recognized pioneer in precision cancer medicine. Dr. Druker played a central role in developing Gleevec, a daily pill for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) that has saved tens of thousands of lives. Now he is helping lead Beat AML, a major effort to find better treatments for acute myeloid leukemia.

 

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

An exciting opportunity has been created for an experienced researcher to join Dr. Theodore Braun’s laboratory as a senior research assistant at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. The primary goal of the Braun Laboratory is to understand how changes in the epigenome influence the development of blood cancers. We employ a variety of high sensitivity and single cell methods to understand how early oncogenic mutations alter the epigenetic landscape of developing blood cells driving progression to cancer. We conduct this work using cell lines, mouse models and primary patient samples, enabling us to develop a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of biologic mechanisms.

 

This position is funded by a collaborative grant from the Alliance for Early Cancer Detection with researchers from the University of Cambridge to study the biology of clonal hematopoiesis (CH), a pre-leukemic condition which occurs in up to 20% of the aging population. The goal of this work is to identify new treatment approaches for individuals with high-risk CH that might serve as the basis for a preventative strategy. These studies will include high-throughput drug screening; in vitro validation of candidate drugs in cell lines with CH mutations and in vivo validation in CH mouse models. As many CH mutations act via alterations in the epigenome, single cell and high sensitivity epigenetic studies will also be performed. Additional duties will include molecular biology and biochemistry research techniques, flow cytometry, NGS library preparation, mammalian tissue culture, small animal handling, data analysis, and other laboratory techniques. We are particularly interested in candidates who are adept with molecular genomic techniques. Applicants will need to possess strong organizational and communication skills as well as the ability to work independently.

 

Bachelor’s degree and laboratory experience in molecular/cellular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, cancer biology or a related field is preferred. Salary will be commensurate with experience. We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who is capable and willing to make maximum use of excellent facilities and a productive environment. Some weekend work is required.

• Bachelor's in relevant field AND 1 years of relevant experience OR Equivalent combination of training and experience
• Proficient with computers specifically MS Office (which includes, Excel, Access, Word and PowerPoint) and statistical analysis software
• Experience handling chemical and biologically hazardous materials
• Knowledge of policy and regulations applicable to the laboratory, including but not limited to safety, animal and radiation
• Technical proficiency, scientific creativity collaborative ability, and independent thinker
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a high performing work group
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time
• Must have excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills:  both written and verbal
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
• Demonstrated ability to learn new and innovative processed quickly
• Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to operate complex scientific equipment and develop and troubleshoot complex experimental protocols

• Masters degree in science or technology
• 5 or more years of related laboratory experience. Experience in in molecular/cellular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, cancer biology or a related field
• Expertise in high-throughput screening
• Experience with genomics methods including single cell genomics

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

 

Effective Oct. 18, 2021, all OHSU employees were required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they had an approved medical or religious exception. If you are hired by OHSU, you will need to be fully vaccinated (or obtain an approved exception) prior to starting work, and need to provide proof of vaccination (or approved exception) within 10 days of starting work.

 

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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.


As an organization devoted to the health and well-being of people in Oregon and beyond, OHSU requires its employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.