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, 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 Grant lab at the Oregon National Primate Research Center is recruiting for a Research Assistant 1 to provide supervised support for ongoing studies involving behavioral protocols using non-human primate subjects.  These studies involve training animals in alcohol self-administration, performing venipuncture, working with computer equipment and programs, and cognitive tasks using food and visual reinforcement. The Grant Lab is located on West Campus in Beaverton and the position requires weekend work, and occasional work on evenings and holidays. Efforts are and compensatory time are distributed across days to total 40 hrs/week.

 

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards

 

1. Technical Research: Conduct animal research under supervision that has automated measures of alcohol, water and food intake in the non-human primate (rhesus) model.  These responsibilities include the day-to-day animal husbandry, equipment maintenence and data collection. Must use problem solving skills in support of studies.

 

2.  Data Collection/ Data Analysis/ Record Keeping:  Daily collection of scientific data pertinent to the research projects; must keep accurate records of information obtained during research and produce daily and weekly summaries to monitor animal trends and help troubleshoot potential problems with experimental equipment. Must attend weekly lab meetings.

 

3. Other duties as required or assigned, to fulfill the mission of this laboratory.

Education:

• Bachelor's in any field OR
• Associate's AND 2 years of relevant experience OR
• 3 years of relevant experience OR
• Equivalent combination of training and experience

 

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Must work consistently  and efficiently within the time constraints of the position
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats
• Ability to work in small group settings and accept supervision
• Ability to interact in a positive and productive manner and to work skillfully with a variety of diverse staff
• Ability to prioritize work demands and coordinate activities with other staff
• Must have careful attention to details to satisfactorily complete and perform job duties

Education:

• Undergraduate coursework in biological or behavioral sciences such as psychology, neuroscience, biochemistry, zoology, animal sciences, chemistry

Experience:

• Prior work in biological/research laboratory

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Work is performed in a the laboratory setting with potential risk of exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals and dry ice, exposure to noise hazards from moving of racks, and in areas where there is potential risk of exposure to 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: 

• Able to lift/move equipment/animals weighing up to 40 lbs
• Ability to use computer keyboard
• Ability to physically perform tasks involving handling, moving, or restraint of animals, collection of samples, administration of treatments, and other procedures (this may involve moving on wet and/or slick surfaces, through narrow corridors, between rows of cages)
• Ability to stay standing for extended periods of time (up to 1-4 hours)

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.