This position supports ongoing research in the laboratory of Dr. Marina Guizzetti. The individual will assist in research projects that examine the effects alcohol exposure during developmental (as in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) and in adulthood (as in Alcohol Use Disorder) on biochemical, molecular, physiological, and behavioral endpoints. More specifically, Dr. Guizzetti’s laboratory investigates mechanisms involved in astrocyte-neuron interactions altered by alcohol.

The duties include, but are not limited to, performance of a variety of standardized procedures (see below), with considerable independence, in support of biomedical research projects focused on mechanisms involved in the developmental effects of alcohol and in alcohol addiction. Also necessary is the ability to interpret test results, prepare data summaries, recognize unexpected deviations and report them immediately, conduct non-standardized analytical methods and perform data analysis according to standards. Finally, training junior staff, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in specific methods as directed is required. Weekend duties are necessary as dictated by experimental protocols and as assigned. Standardized procedures include working with small animals, microdissection, behavioral studies, tissue culture, and biochemical and molecular assays.

• Treatment of neonatal and adult mice and rats with alcohol. Brain area and blood harvesting. Blood alcohol determinations. Genotyping. Tissue culture.
• Immunohistochemistry, RNAscope, and Golgi-Cox analyses: Perfusion, brain slicing for immunohistochemical (IHC) or Golgi-Cox analysis, optimization of the use of antibodies for IHC analysis. Fluorescence and confocal microscope imaging. Morphometric analysis of Golgi-Cox stained neurons using the software Neurolucida. Isolation of RNA from rodent tissue using traditional as well as novel approaches to isolate nuclear or translating RNA and analysis of gene expression from these samples using qRTPCR and RNA-sequencing.
• Data collection and data entry for biomedical experiments. Physical and electronic records will be kept for each study in an orderly and timely manner. That is, all records must accurately, legibly and completely record experimental data and results of procedures used, to allow for replication by others. Experimental data entry is not considered complete until double-checked. All results are to be provided to the lab manager/PI in a timely manner.
• Preparation and planning for biochemistry and molecular biology experiments in a timely manner. This will include: obtaining subjects, obtaining supplies, reserving space and equipment, assuring the proper environment for subjects, creation of data collection sheets, aiding with the development of the experimental protocol, obtaining final approval of the experimental protocol before moving forward, and other duties as assigned/necessary to ensure successful study completion. Preparation may include discussion with Drs. Guizzetti and Zhang and Mr. Hashimoto, additional Guizzetti Lab staff, animal facility staff, and/or other laboratories. Thus, a high level of communication skill is implicitly required.
• Writing manuscripts and assistance in grant planning and preparation.
• Lab maintenance: Maintain work area and common research areas. Make buffers, solutions, reagents required for daily operations. Maintain supplies.
• Logistical Support:  Support of PI and co-workers in maintenance of computers, travel reimbursements, and miscellaneous clerical duties.

Research Associate

Master's Degree in relevant field and 3 years of relevant experience; OR

Bachelor's Degree in relevant field and 5 years of relevant experience

 

Senior Research Associate

PhD in relevant field and 1 year of relevant experience; OR

Master's Degree in relevant field and 5 years of relevant experience; OR

Bachelor's Degree in relevant field and 9 years of relevant experience

Education: MS degree in relevant field

Experience: 2-5 years laboratory experience performing rodent treatments; experience with molecular procedures and immunohistochemistry.

Competencies: Neonatal rodent (mice/rats) handling including administration of drugs by gavage to rats. Experience with molecular biology techniques, genotyping, immunohistochemistry, including preparation of tissue. Experience with statistical analysis; preparation of data figures. Ability to work independently.

Working Conditions: M-F eight hours/day, some weekend/holiday work or longer work days may be required based on experimental requirements. Specific hours of work on each day should be expected to be variable. Handling of (with proper protection and training) carcinogenic, toxic, radioactive, biohazardous, and teratogenic substances is required.

Physical Demands & Equipment Usage: Ability to sit/stand for long periods of time at lab bench and computer work station. Ability to walk from VA to OHSU. Ability to work directly with laboratory rodents. Lifting above head; climbing onto stool or small ladder to reach some equipment and upper shelves. The ability to perform repetitive tasks. Standing and moving throughout the research lab and animal facility. Exposure to mice, rats, various chemicals, and solvents apply to this position.

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.