Research Assistant 1 -OR- Research Assistant 2

 

We are looking for a candidate (1.0 FTE) to join our research team who is about to complete their undergraduate degree or is a recent graduate. This position is ideal for a candidate seeking to gain more experience relevant to human physiology, because the project involves work not only with a neonatal rodent model of brain hypoxia, but also with a large animal model of fetal brain hypoxia in pregnant sheep. These projects will provide excellent experience to launch a career in biomedical sciences as a physician scientist, a biomedical researcher or as preparation for medical school. The projects require a mature individual with excellent time management skills who will work intermittently for about half the year in an active sheep laboratory.  The remainder of time will be spent on projects focused on neonatal rodent studies.  Both projects are focused on complementary questions related to the impact of exposure to hypoxia on brain development. Both of these NIH-funded research projects will define mechanisms leading to disruption of neuronal development and disturbances in long-term learning and memory mechanisms.  The candidate will work with our chief sheep surgeon and must be comfortable with handling animals (mice and sheep) and providing surgical support in a large animal surgery suite with a sterile operating room. Prior small or large animal surgical experience is ideal but not required and training will be provided by faculty working in the sheep and rodent labs.

 

The projects will employ a range of approaches ranging from histology to advanced molecular approaches including single nucleus RNAseq.  These include analysis of neuronal morphology using advanced microscopic approaches for single cell reconstruction, electrophysiology, advanced MRI analysis and behavioral studies.  Some studies are on-going under the supervision of postdoctoral fellows or junior faculty in the lab. The candidate will work closely with these senior individuals on independent aspects of the rodent and sheep hypoxia studies. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn a range of techniques that we routinely use including animal surgery, tissue sectioning/staining for quantitative analysis, western blotting and other molecular techniques. Responsibilities include designing and conducting experiments, data analysis, record-keeping and data presentation.  Attend weekly lab meetings and present your research. 

• The applicant should be comfortable handling rodents (neonatal and adult).
• The applicant should have familiarity with basic Molecular Biology techniques (PCR, RT-PCR) and/or basic Microscopy.
• Computer knowledge

Research Assistant 1:

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or an equivalent field OR
• Associate's AND
• 2 years of relevant experience OR
• 3 years of relevant experience OR
• Equivalent combination of training and experience

Research Assistant 2:

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or OR
• Associate's AND
• 3 years of relevant experience OR
• 4 years of relevant experience OR
• Equivalent combination of training and experience

• Coursework taken pertaining to Neurobiology/Neuroscience or Physiology is preferred.
• Familiarity with any one or all of the following:
  • confocal/fluorescence microscopy
  • cell culture techniques handling fixed/frozen tissue sections for immunohistochemistry
  • mouse genetics
  • protein assays
• Experience in advanced molecular biology, biochemistry techniques.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, be enthusiastic about their work, and be highly motivated to succeed in a multi-disciplinary/multi-collaborator setting that provides a wealth of opportunities in one of the major universities for neuroscience research in the U.S.

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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.