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.

This position is for an Post-doctoral scientist who will work on ongoing studies in contraception development and female fertility.

 

Qualified candidates will hold a PhD in biology, physiology or equivalent, and possess a comprehensive understanding of molecular biology, immunology or microbiology. A strong background in reproduction or female reproductive tract, next generational sequencing methods is highly desirable. Competency in cell culture, flow cytometry or molecular biology techniques is essential. Applicants will be expected to develop skills related to RNA sequencing, high throughput screening and primate reproductive tract studies, working directly with NHPs for sedation and clinical monitoring, behavioral observations, biological and post-mortem sample collection. Applicants should be able to work in a team dynamic, carry out research unsupervised, keep up-to-date on relevant literature in the field, provide meaningful data reports for presentation at scientific meetings, prepare manuscripts, and assist with grant writing and laboratory management.

 

Computer experience in Microsoft Word, Excel and statistical software is required. The applicant must have excellent organizational and communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with investigators, clinicians and veterinary/husbandry staff. Salary will be commensurate with experience and other similar positions within the institution. This position will at times require working early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekend, holiday or overnight work as required by the scope of the studies.

 

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards:

 

Technical Research: Laboratory skills in immunological analyses, as well as molecular and cellular biology are required (e.g. flow cytometry, FISH). Contribute independently and in a team effort to performing in vivo research studies in pregnant and neonatal NHPs. This individual will assist in experimental design, development of new technologies and direct performance of studies.

 

Data Collection and Analyses: Collects, compiles, and analyzes data, including performing statistical evaluations. Presents the raw and analyzed data to the supervisor, and interprets the findings as related to the project and relevant scientific literature. Maintains an up-to-date laboratory notebook that includes experimental details, results and analyses, and assures the integrity of any databases that are generated.

 

Report Preparation: Prepares data for publication, presentation, and/or progress reports. These include written abstracts, journal manuscripts, annual progress reports for funding agencies, presentations for seminars and conferences and assisting the PI in the writing of grant proposals.

 

Assist in the training of research support staff within the laboratory, and provide day to day oversight of lab staff daily activities.

Education:

• Advanced degree at the doctoral level

Experience:

• At least three years of training and experience in the field of reproductive science or molecular biology

• Experience working with mammalian models to investigate biological processes

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a productive manner

• Excellent manual and intellectual skills to accurately perform research techniques, including cell or tissue culture, molecular biology and microbiological techniques, and immunocytochemistry/immunofluorescence

• Working knowledge of computer software for word processing, data storage and analyses, graphics and presentations

• Excellent organizational and communication (written and oral) skills

• Must have strong interpersonal skills to work effectively and skillfully with a diverse group of investigators, students, research support staff and animal care personnel

• Must be able to prioritize work demands, and coordinate research protocols with other laboratory members and support staff

Experience:

• Experience in reproductive immunology, placental or perinatal physiology

• Laboratory experience using, cell cultures/cell lines, domesticated animal species, nonhuman primates or human subjects

• A background in reproductive physiology

• Experience presenting work an national/international meetings, submitting manuscripts for publication

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Experience with next generation sequencing techniques such as RNA-seq or Single-cell RNA seq,  using flow cytometry, animal models or primates, laboratory animal surgery

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Normal work schedule is routinely Monday through Friday from approximately 8:30am to 5:00pm; however, early morning, evening, and occasional weekend and overnight work is required by scope of the position
• Work is performed in both the laboratory setting with potential risk of exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals and dry ice 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:

• Ability to lift or move equipment and devices up to 50 lbs
• Ability to stand for up to 4 continuous hours per day
• Ability to sit and use instruments on a laboratory bench for up to 4 continuous hours per day
• Ability to sit and use a computer for 1-2 hours at a time
• 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). 

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.