The Division of Vascular Surgery at OHSU provides excellent patient care while maintaining educational and research-rich programs that train surgeons and researchers and enhance their understanding of the vascular system. A special interest in quality outcomes and measurement drives much of the division¿s research they offer a 2-year vascular and endovascular surgery fellowship as well as an integrated residency program. OHSU¿s vascular surgeons operate out of the Knight Cardiovascular Institute.

 

The Genetic Aortopathy Research Assistant will support cutting-edge research in vascular surgery and genetic aortopathy by conducting laboratory experiments, managing mouse models, assisting with research participant coordination, and handling biospecimen collection and analysis. This role requires proficiency in laboratory techniques, animal model management, and compliance with research protocols to advance studies on genetic aortopathies, including vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome.

 

The Research Assistant will focus on immunohistochemical staining, immunoassays, fibroblast culture analysis, mouse model experiments, and laboratory maintenance while assisting with consenting research participants and biospecimen collection. This position emphasizes collaboration within a multidisciplinary team to contribute to high-impact genetic aortopathy research.

Laboratory Research Duties

• Perform immunohistochemical staining of human tissue samples.
• Conduct immunoassays using human plasma, including ELISA and related techniques.
• Prepare plasma from human blood samples for downstream analysis.
• Establish and maintain explant cultures from human skin biopsies.
• Analyze fibroblast cultures using electrophoresis, immunoassays, and other standard laboratory methods.
• Assist in the procurement, fixation, and analysis of human skin and arterial tissue samples as well as animal tissue samples.

Mouse Model Management

• Maintain and manage mouse models related to genetic aortopathy research.
• Perform animal handling, including genotyping, breeding, and monitoring animal health.
• Conduct experimental procedures on mouse models, including tissue dissection and sample collection.
• Maintain accurate records of animal studies, adhering to institutional and federal animal research guidelines.
• Collaborate with researchers to design and execute experiments involving mouse models of genetic aortopathy.

Biospecimen Collection and Patient Coordination

• Assist in consenting eligible research participants, ensuring they understand study procedures and consent requirements.
• Collect, process, and store biospecimens such as blood, plasma, and tissue samples in compliance with institutional and federal guidelines.
• Coordinate with clinical teams to integrate patient-derived samples into research projects.
• Document all biospecimen collection and handling processes, maintaining detailed records for compliance and publications.

Equipment and Reagents Management

• Prepare and maintain chemical solutions, laboratory reagents, and buffers.
• Operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment, including:
  
  • Centrifuges
  • Electrophoresis apparatus
  • PCR thermal cyclers
  • ELISA readers
  • Cryostats
• Ensure laboratory supplies are stocked, organized, and compliant with safety standards.

Data Management and Record-Keeping

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments, protocols, and outcomes, including digital photographs and written documentation using Word, Excel, and REDCap.
• Organize data for research publications, grant proposals, and presentations.
• Assist with the preparation of figures and summaries for scientific publications.

Genetic Aortopathy Research

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams focused on genetic aortopathies, contributing to data collection and analysis.
• Assist in patient-derived sample processing for studies related to genetic syndromes such as vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome.
• Support the division’s academic and research initiatives by participating in ongoing genetic aortopathy studies.

Research Support

• Coordinate with clinical teams to ensure timely processing of patient-derived samples.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols and institutional guidelines for human sample handling.
• Assist in maintaining laboratory organization and workflow efficiency.

• Master’s Degree in relevant field and 3 years relevant experience or  Bachelor’s Degree  and five years experience in biology, chemistry, or a related field 

• 3-5 years of experience of relevant experience in a biomedical research or clinical laboratory setting.

• Proficiency in preparing chemical solutions and following established laboratory protocols.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment, including centrifuges, electrophoresis apparatus, PCR thermal cyclers, ELISA readers, and cryostats.
• Expertise in immunohistochemical methods and immunoassays.
• Experience with animal models, including handling, genotyping, and experimental procedures.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in maintaining accurate records and data management.
• Competency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Competency in using REDCap.

• 8 or more years of relevant experience in a biomedical research or clinical laboratory setting.

• Familiarity with cardiovascular biology.

• Experience with fibroblast culture establishment and analysis.

• Understanding of human and animal tissue sample handling, procurement, and processing.

   

Work schedule is Monday through Friday 8 am – 4:30 pm on Marquam Hill with some weekends and nights required based on study or project needs. Environmental exposures include working with lab reagents, animals including their tissues and blood, and patients including their tissues and blood.

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.