The Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute (VGTI) at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has assembled a multidisciplinary team of scientists to respond to serious viral disease threats, including AIDS, chronic viral infection-associated diseases, newly emerging viral diseases and infectious diseases of the elderly. Our programs are intended to span the continuum between basic and clinical science, in which discoveries are rapidly advanced from the level of molecular and cellular biology through animal models and ultimately into clinical testing. The development of this unique program in immunology and virology provides an important training opportunity for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at OHSU. This is why an important part of our mission is the training of young scientists in newer academic disciplines emerging at the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute.

A Research Assistant 2 position is available to conduct innovative research on the immunology and virology of HIV infection in Dr. Okoye’s Laboratory at the Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute (VGTI) using the non-human primate (NHP) model. This position will assist on projects focused on better understanding the pathogenesis of HIV/AIDS, developing HIV vaccines and novel HIV cure therapies. 

 

Under the general supervision of senior staff, the technical staff of this group carries out the daily needs of ongoing experiments, including: 

 

• Experimental tasks associated with processing of rhesus macaque samples for immunological and virological assays. These include cell isolation from blood and other tissues, cell culture, in vitro virus infection, etc. 
• Experimental tasks associated with flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, including: antibody staining, flow cytometry and data acquisition. 
• Data analysis, careful record-keeping, compilation, analysis and reporting of data. 
• Additional responsibilities contributing to the maintenance of lab operations, as assigned. 

 

Representative publications include: 

•  “CD8+ T cells fail to limit SIV reactivation following ART withdrawal until after viral amplification.”  
  • J Clin Invest. 2021 Apr 15;131(8):141677. doi: 10.1172/JCI141677. 
• “Early antiretroviral therapy limits SIV reservoir establishment to delay or prevent post-treatment viral rebound”  
  • Nat Med 2018 Sep;24(9):1430-1440. doi: 10.1038/s41591-018-0130- 
• “B cell follicle sanctuary permits persistent productive simian immunodeficiency virus infection in elite controllers”  
  • Nat Med . 2015 Feb;21(2):132-9. doi: 10.1038/nm.3781. 

Education: 

• Bachelor's in relevant field OR 
• Associate's AND 3 years of relevant experience OR 
• 4 years of relevant experience OR 
• Equivalent combination of training and experience 

 

Experience:  

• None. 

 

Job related skills, abilities, or knowledge:   

• Must be comfortable using computers (Mac, PC), doing research with animals and working with biohazardous samples. 
• Willingness to work with pathogens potentially dangerous to humans. 
• Willingness and ability to work in a BioSafety Level-2+ environment following training with biohazards and pathogens including, but not limited to, simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). 
• Ability to work well both in a team and independently. 
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours. 
• Ability to carry and lift 35 lbs. 
• Ability to stand for three continuous hours a day. 
• Ability to work on computer for five continuous hours a day. 
• Able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation. 

Education:  

• Coursework/training in immunology, tissue-processing, &/or flow cytometry. 

Experience:  

• One year of experience. 

Job related skills, abilities, or knowledge:   

• Laboratory experience, especially in sample processing. 
• Background in cell biology, microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, virology or related life science discipline. 

Note that this position is at OHSU's West Campus (Beaverton). Please submit a resume, cover letter, and be able to provide at least three references upon request to be considered for 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.