The Oregon National Primate Research 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, a pond, 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.

The laboratory of Dr. Paul Kievit has a postdoctoral position available in the Division of Cardiometabolic Health at the Oregon National Primate Research Center at Oregon Health & Science University. A major focus in our group is studying the impact of environmental conditions on early life and the link to health/disease in childhood and adult life, often referred to as the Developmental Origin of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis. We have funding to study the impact of obesity, gastric bypass surgery and/or exposure to diabetic treatment drugs in a nonhuman primate model on maternal health, pregnancy, fetal development, and early childhood development. All studies depend on a highly collaborative work environment within the lab, ONPRC, and external collaborators. The experiments proposed include physiological measurements of metabolism to examine glucose and insulin homeostasis, measurements of body composition, serum profiles, monitoring of pregnancy and fetal growth via ultrasound, and microbiome analysis. In addition, there will be extensive ex-vivo analysis of organ specific metabolism (i.e. pancreas, brain, fat, liver) to generate molecular mechanistic data. 

Responsibilities will include:

• Assisting at multiple phases of the study, including data collection, data analysis, and results dissemination by publications and presentations at national meetings. 
• Plans, conducts and completes laboratory experiments. Performs primary molecular techniques which could include cell culture (including primary cell isolation and culture), flow cytometry, PCR, DNA/RNA assays, enzymatic assays, microscopy, tissue collection and analysis including IHC staining.

• PhD degree in Biological Science or Animal Science field (with a strong cell or molecular background)
• Experience with animal models for use in research
• Must think strategically with the ability to synthesize results to formulate hypotheses
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats; ability to work independently, in small group settings, and with collaborators in a positive and productive manner
• Ability to prioritize work demands and coordinate research protocols with other staff
• Must possess drive, organizational skills, and attention to detail to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to supervise other lab members and trainees/students
• Perform work in both the laboratory and animal handling settings, which carry a potential risk of exposure to chemicals, biohazard materials, dry ice, and zoonotic agents through injury, by direct contact with animals or their tissues and body fluids, or by contact with equipment contaminated by animals or their tissues and body fluids
• Able to lift/move objects weighing up to 40 lbs
• Able to stand for several continuous hours and perform repetitive manual procedures, such as pipetting

 

• PhD in Physiology, Molecular Biology or a related field with emphasis on animal models of human disease
• 2-4 years of prior laboratory work in a related field
• Research experience with nonhuman primates
• Primary cell isolation/culture experience
• Familiarity with histology-based techniques like IHC and/or RNAscope
• Ability to conduct independent and collaborative research, with demonstrated experience in problem-solving
• Ability to contribute to writing scientific papers and grant proposals

 

Apply here online. Please be sure to upload a cover letter, CV/resume and references.

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.


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