The Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences is an independent research institute within OHSU that is dedicated to health and safety in the workplace. The Institute receives its base funding from the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Fund and leverages this base funding to secure federal government grants in basic, clinical, and applied research. We perform biomedical/occupational research and innovation for a healthy workforce, aimed at promoting health and reducing disease and disability among workers across the nation, particularly in Oregon.

 

The Clinical Physiology and Chronobiology Program (CPCP) within the Institute specializes in clinical research on the effects of sleep and circadian rhythms on physiology and pathophysiology in humans.

The Clinical Research Assistant 2 will work on various projects under the direction of Dr. Nicole Bowles (PI), Assistant Professor within the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, and may also be supervised by postdoctoral fellows or senior research staff. This position works on research aimed at understanding the effects of changes to the environment and behaviors on sleep and circadian rhythms and the subsequent impact on physiology and pathophysiology in humans. Specifically, this research is investigating the adverse health effects of shift work including the body’s response to stressors at night, the use of cannabis and related projects as sleep aids, and how sleep and circadian rhythms may contribute to racial disparities in health. These studies will lead to interventions designed to improve the health, safety and well-being of night shift workers and vulnerable populations.

 

Responsibilities include developing study recruitment materials (e.g., online and print advertisements and surveys), medically screening volunteer research participants over the phone and in person, and collecting data using a variety of noninvasive physiological monitoring devices (e.g., EKG, blood pressure, breathing, sleep, core body temperature). With supervision, the clinical research assistant 2 will set up, test, and maintain equipment, as well as carry out administrative tasks (e.g., preparing and submitting IRB documents) as needed. The position will also be responsible for data analysis, assisting with literature searches, preparing posters/presentations, and helping with grant writing. Finally, this position will require some amount of field work, including recruitment off campus (hanging flyers or attending community events) as well as data collection in the field and/or dropping off and retrieving study equipment.

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field OR
• Associates degree AND 2 years relevant experience OR
• 3 years relevant experience OR
• Equivalent combination of training & experience
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
• Good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Discretion when dealing with issues of a sensitive nature to maintain participant confidentiality
• Integrity in regards to interactions with others and in performing research
• Ability to gather, compile, analyze and maintain, in a range of formats, information from a variety of sources, including research publications, web sources, and internal and external contacts
• Ability to work periodic overnight and weekend hours while monitoring research participants

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological- science field
• Experience in clinical research, especially related to human-subjects research
• Specialized experience in circadian rhythm or sleep research
• Specialized experience with computer programing and/or digital media
• Experience working effectively with racially and ethnically diverse populations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and in a small group setting
• Ability to interact in a positive and productive manner with a diverse lab community
• Ability to be self-motivated, prioritize effectively, and achieve deadlines

Requires ongoing on-site work and travel. Some teleworking may be negotiated. This position will regularly include evening, overnight, and weekend shifts, as well as interacting with research participants.

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.