The successful candidate will join Dr. Patrick Worth’s lab with the goal of understanding the cellular, immunologic, and molecular mechanisms of rapid recurrence of pancreatic cancer.  He has identified molecular signatures that are common to patients experiencing rapid recurrence in the absence of identifiable disease prior to surgery. He has further demonstrated that patients experience rapid recurrence of pancreatic cancer irrespective of receipt of neoadjuvant therapy, completion of adjuvant therapy, or postoperative complications, further pointing to biological differences.  

 

In an effort to further model the processes by which pancreatic cancer recurs after surgery, he has developed a mouse model of post-surgical rrPDAc.  His lab is funded through an Idea Development Award from the Department of Defense, as well as start-up funding from the Department of Surgery.  Dr. Worth is an inaugural recipient of the NIH’s Early-stage Surgeon Scientist Program Award.  

The Research Associate will be responsible for most of the planning, implementation, and data interpretation associated with their own research. Additionally, the successful candidate is expected to interact with graduate students and research assistants/technicians and be actively involved in their scientific supervision and in the general research directions of the lab (both technically and intellectually).

 

A critical aspect of this position is to establish and maintain collaborations by taking full advantage of the terrific network of labs offered within OHSU, including the Brenden Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, the Sears Lab, the Dept. of Surgery, as well as the Knight Cancer Institute. Duties include:

 

• Planning, implementation, and data interpretations associated with their research and grant writing
• Animal experiments – small animals
• Laboratory assays and data analysis
• Scientific supervision of graduate students
• Preparation of grants and manuscripts
• Establishment and maintenance of new and existing collaborations within OHSU and at other institutes
• Attendance at Department/Division/Lab applicable meetings 

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field and 9 years of experience; OR Master's Degree in relevant field and 5 years of relevant experience; OR PhD in relevant field AND 1 year of relevant experience
• Demonstrable experience with molecular biology and animal studies related to cancer research
• Strong experience in molecular biology, cell biology and tissue culture techniques
• Strong experience with animal pre-clinical models of disease
• Experience in tissue staining, imaging and analysis
• Ability to work independently with little supervision
• Ability to interact successfully with graduate student and other learners with strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrable experience with some or all of the following techniques: molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR, RNAseq), protein extraction and western blotting, cell culturing, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and mouse work
• Planning, implementation, and data interpretation experience
• Organizational and time management skills that maintain timeliness of work and accurate prioritization
• Ability to conduct research in a multidisciplinary, fast-paced research environment, occasionally with tight deadlines 

• Experience in biological sciences with an emphasis on molecular and cell biology
• Past experience with grant writing, lab management, organizational skills
• Experience with animal surgeries and animal medical administration (oral gavage, intraperitoneal injections, tail vein injections)
• Experience with tissue harvest

Apply here online. Please be sure to upload a cover letter and CV.

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.