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 incumbent for this position will provide technical support for ongoing research projects for work related contraception research in an in vitro model. This position requires a hardworking, dedicated individual who can follow directions and work independently.  Laboratory work will include tissue culture work performing common laboratory assays, but also maintaining the lab environment including dishwashing, lab cleanliness, and organization.  Good communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with ONPRC investigators/staff and collaborators, as well as excellent organizational skills are a must.  Computer experience in Microsoft Word and Excel required. 

 

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards:

 

1. Assist in ongoing research protocols involving hands-on work with cell culture: obtaining organ samples from necropsy, making reagents, preparing culture medium, maintaining cell cultures, performing western blots, purifying RNA, running real time PCR experiments, ELISAs.

 

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 and media.  Process and disposal of biohazard and radioactive 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. Contribute to, and participate in, ongoing research projects. Assist others in studies related to investigating contraception, utilizing the cervix as a target, including entering, maintaining, and organizing data samples and accurate and timely entry into computer database.   

 

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

 

5. Tissue processing/embedding, sectioning (microtome), immunohistochemistry, assisting others in studies related to permanent contraception projects.

 

6. Assist with possible animal (primate studies) in terms of scheduling, gathering equipment. 

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):

• 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, Adobe Photshop or other graphics software, 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

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Experience:

• 1 year relevant research experience in laboratory

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Work schedule is primarily 5 full days from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 pm or at least 10 half days (9-1 or 1-5:30) in a manner determined by the supervisor 
• 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
• 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.