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.

 

To meet the challenge of supporting the exponential expansion in infectious disease (ID) research and the specialized expertise required to conduct ABSL-2+ and ABSL-3 infectious disease studies in NHPs, the ONPRC formed the Infectious Disease NHP Resource (IDR). The IDR is a dedicated group of highly trained veterinarians, technicians, and immunologists that provide specialized support to investigators conducting research of and related to infectious diseases.  The IDR has principal responsibility for management, experimental conduct/compliance, and support of investigators utilizing nonhuman primates (NHP) assigned to experimental protocols. Specifically, the goals of the IDR are to: 1) aid investigators in performing high quality NHP ID research, including new investigators that may be transitioning from research focused on small animals or humans to NHPs; 2) promote optimal use of the animal resource and development/optimization of these unique models; 3) manage the AIDS Macaque Resource as a national resource; 4) provide expertise in managing NHPs used in infectious disease studies to ensure safety for personnel and study animals; 5) provide access to state-of-the-art immunological assays and analysis for studies in the NHP model; and 6) provide a management core for hosting NHP infectious disease studies for off-site and collaborating investigators. The IDR will continue to facilitate growth in critical areas such as immunology, pathogenesis of infectious diseases, development and optimization of therapeutics and vaccines, and in the priority area of further elucidating AIDS reservoirs and latency reversal leading to a functional cure. Continued development and provision of state-of-the-art immunological assays will enhance the IDR’s ability to host and provide immunologic support to collaborative projects at the local, regional, and national level. 

The IDR NHP Senior Research Project Manager is responsible for supervision, coordination and support of ongoing and newly funded infectious disease and related research studies using non-human primates for the ONPRC. Specifically, the person in this role is responsible for coordinating NHP research protocols with Principle Investigators from OHSU, ONPRC, VGTI and outside institutions. In conjunction with the IDR Director and ONPRC veterinary staff, the NHP Senior Research Project manager coordinates research protocols to ensure research specimens are collected, processed, and preserved in compliance with animal welfare regulations. As a Senior Research Project Manager in this position, there is an increased responsibility for managing IDR staff which includes: coordinating and/or performing training, scheduling IDR staff and protocol procedures, and coordinating animal sampling with other research investigators.

Additional duties include, but are not limited to:

• Communicate directly with Principle Investigators from OHSU, ONPRC Divisions, and external institutions to coordinate research objectives
• Significantly contributes to grant proposals
• Assist with and perform surgeries of non-human primates (including scheduling and administration of drugs)
• Collect and prepare blood samples including shipping and handling of animal tissues to various support laboratories
• Interact with the veterinary staff, animal care staff, surgical staff, and in some cases to facilitate social environmental enrichment of non-human primates
• Collect, enter, and perform statistical analysis of data and reporting of research findings in written and oral formats
• Operate CT scanner and interpret scan images
• Perform specialized techniques such as viral challenges, vaccine inoculations, intrabronchial administration of Mtb
• Provide oversight of DEA controlled substances, including proper recordkeeping and tracking of usage
• Assist with ordering and replenishment of supplies for laboratory and surgical procedures and maintain proper inventory to support IDR sampling
• Perform additional general lab support duties, including maintenance of laboratory supplies and equipment, autoclaving and disposing of waste

The NHP Senior Research Project Manager has a responsibility to support research staff by assuring that their research program maintains compliance with various federal regulations regarding animal research activities by pre-reviewing animal research protocols for congruency with IACUC/IBC, working with the researchers and principal investigators to develop quality protocols, and implementing good practices for animal research.

• Conduct the pre-reviews and when necessary, communicate inconsistencies with researchers
• Ensure congruency of protocols and submitted project schedules, regardless of funding
• Schedule and coordinate compliant animal procedures
• Research, draft and maintain animal research policies that would ensure compliance by research investigators
• Develop training documents and guidelines for training purposes
• Assist in development of standard operating procedures
• Participate in internal and external quality, laboratory, and vendor audits

 Additional responsibilities of the NHP Senior Research Project include, but are not limited to:

• Develop, implement, and maintain appropriate Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures
• Author and review technical documents (e.g., develop reports, SOPs, and technical reports)
• Actively participate in or lead the discussion of experiment results and project status, risks, and plans forward
• Effectively generate and present experiment findings and project progress and results in various forms, ranging from concise spreadsheets to PowerPoint presentations
• Perform various administrative tasks necessary for laboratory function (inventory management, equipment maintenance, etc.)
• Ensure adherence to all laboratory SOPs and troubleshoot issues in both experiments and routinely performed procedures
• Ensure project documentation, including electronic records are sufficiently maintained to evaluate, trouble-shoot and reproduce experimental results
• Provide training and support to laboratory staff as needed, primarily during the implementation of new procedures or modifications based on assay optimization projects
• Maintain cleanliness of work areas and keeps work areas organized and stocked
• Responsible for the knowledge and practice of safety SOPs in the laboratory
• Wears appropriate PPE as required
• Complete all required institutional and laboratory trainings

 

• Master's in relevant field AND 5 years of relevant experience OR
• Equivalent combination of Bachelor's in relevant field in conjunction with training and experience may be considered
• May require specific experience in particular area of research
• Minimum of 5 years of laboratory experience in molecular/cellular biology, animal, and/or invivo research
• Ability to communicate effectively, including use and meaning of scientific terminology in both written and oral formats
• Ability to work both independently and in a small group setting
• Working knowledge (18 months relevant work experience) of Microsoft Excel and Word
• Demonstrated independence and competence to perform data management and analysis of research findings, including use of spreadsheets, graphics and statistical programs
• Ability to interact in a positive and productive manner, and to work efficiently and skillfully with a variety of diverse staff
• Ability to prioritize work demands, and coordinate research protocols with other staff
• Organizational skills and careful attention to details to satisfactorily perform job duties requiring procedural steps to be consistent and completed fully and timely
• Detailed record-keeping, cataloging of samples, data entry and statistical analysis, laboratory maintenance, autoclaving and use of sterile techniques

• Degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal sciences, Immunology or Pathology
• Experience with large primate studies, managing multiple research projects, and performing, analyzing and reporting results of immune assays
• 5 years laboratory work experience performing immunoassays and cell separation techniques
• 5 years’ experience in managing labs or research units, training and supervising of students and RA’s
• Maintaining inventories of laboratory supplies and equipment
• Experience with geriatric or immune compromised and ABSL-3 with non-human primates

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Work is performed in laboratory settings with potential risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals, materials, animals and equipment. Additionally, there is a risk of exposure to zoonotic agents by 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 in some work areas. Willingness to work in Biosafety Level 2 and 3 facilities.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & EQUIPMENT USAGE: 

Able to lift/move equipment weighing up to 50 lbs, working in a biosafety cabinet for long periods, physical dexterity to work in areas that may have slippery conditions and have an ability to minipulate existing animal housing. Ability to stand for 5 continuous hours at a time. Ability to work on a computer for 8 continuous hours a day. Able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.

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.