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.

The incumbent for this position will provide technical support for ongoing research projects related to metabolic disease models in nonhuman primates (NHP) and rodents. This position requires a hardworking, dedicated individual who can follow directions and work independently.  The incumbent will spend time working directly with the NHPs and rodent models, as well as perform general laboratory duties.  NHP work will involve feeding and observations, blood collections and administering injections.  Rodent/Laboratory work will involve processing of samples and tissues and assisting in molecular biology techniques.  Good communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with ONPRC investigators/staff and collaborators, as well as excellent organizational skills are a must. Experience in working with animals is highly desired.  Computer experience in Microsoft Word and Excel required.  This position will require working weekends, holidays, and extended hours at times, as required by the scope of the position.

 

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards

 

1. Assist in ongoing research protocols involving hands-on work animals including: non-technical assistance with experimental protocols; accurate and timely entry of experimental records/data; assistance with the collection of blood samples at specified time points; assistance in the collection of various in vivo parameters such as DEXA scans and glucose tolerance tests, rodent surgeries and molecular techniques. Participate in specimen collection during procedures, surgeries, and necropsies.

 

2. Follow oral and written laboratory protocols.  Assist in research support procedures including, but not limited to: clean laboratory glassware and equipment; clean lab benches, water baths, and incubators. Prepare and autoclave various laboratory solutions.  Process and disposal of biohazard and chemical waste, as well as disposal of autoclaved materials following standard laboratory protocols. Maintain overall laboratory cleanliness and assist others in the laboratory with their procedures.

 

3. Perform additional duties as requested by principal investigator, scientific personnel, or supervisor(s).

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 experienc

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Ability to communicate effectively, in both written and oral formats. Ability to work both independently and in a small group setting, and one-on-one with collaborators  in a positive and producive manner, and to work efficiently and skillfully with a variety of diverse staff and collaborators. Working knowledge (6 months relevant work experience) of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and GraphPad Prism. Ability to prioritize work demands, and coordinate research protocols with other staff. Organizational skills and careful attention to details to satisfactorily perform job duties. Database management and quality control skills. High level of self-motivation and integrity. Must have excellent communication skills and be able to interact with researchers and collaborators

Registrations, Certifications and/or Licenses:

• Valid Driver's License and the ability to drive OHSU/ONPRC vehicles on and off campus

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Experience:

• 1 year relevant research experience in laboratory and research animal handling settings.  Experience with nonhuman primates preferred.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Experience maintaining inventories of laboratory supplies and equipment
• Training in the handling of biohazard materials
• Ability to conduct independent and collaborative research, with demonstrated experience in problem solving
• Ability to contribute to writing scientific papers and grant proposals

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Work schedule is primarily five consecutive days from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
• This position will require working weekends, holidays, and extended hours at times, as required by the scope of the position
• Work is performed 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

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & EQUIPMENT USAGE: 

• Ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing over 50 lbs
• Ability to stand for several continuous hours
• Excellent eyesight is required in order to perform all duties, corrective eyewear (if needed) must be worn at all times

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.