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.

A senior research assistant is open in a non-human primate systems neuroscience laboratory with a focus on computational modeling of complex learning and decision making and how it relates to the activity of motivational neural circuits. The senior research technician will work closely with the Principal Investigator and function as a laboratory manager. The technician will be expected to work autonomously and oversee daily behavioral testing and training of animals, husbandry as necessary, assist with stereotaxic surgeries and neurophysiological recording procedures, training and supervising of graduate students and junior research technicians, preparation of reagents, and the preparation of written reports and when necessary regulatory documentation.

• Bachelor's in relevant field AND 1 years of relevant experience OR Equivalent combination of training and experience


• 1-3 years of experience working with laboratory animals in an academic research setting and at least 1 year with non-human Primates


• Think strategically and work accordingly producing effective results and working efficiently within the time constraints of the position


• Communicates effectively in both written and oral formats


• Works independently and in small group settings


• Interacts and works efficiently with a variety of diverse staff


• Prioritize work demands and coordinate research protocols with veterinary staff and staff from other labs


• Excellent organizational skills


• Attention to details is a requirement to satisfactorily complete and perform job duties


• Perform work in both laboratory and animal handling settings, which carry a potential risk of exposure to chemicals, biohazard materials, dry ice, and low-level radioactivity; 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


• Ability to work with non-human primates and BSL-2 reagents


• Ability to transport animals and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds


• Able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

• B.S. with major course work in biological sciences and 1-3 years of relevant experience


• 3+ years of experience working with non-human primates in the context of behavioral testing and training


• Operant training of non-human primates using positive reinforcement.


• Surgical training/experience involving non-human primates.


• Registered lab animal technician (RLAT) certification

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.


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.