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 is a one-year training position in veterinary anatomic pathology within the Pathology Services Unit (PSU) of the Division of Comparative Medicine with an emphasis on laboratory nonhuman primates. PSU provides advanced comparative pathology services to ONPRC core scientists, veterinarians, OHSU affiliates, and external investigators. Under the supervision of a senior pathologist, the postdoctoral veterinarian will learn primate-specific pathology techniques by conducting postmortem examinations (gross and microscopic), interpretation of clinical pathology, microbiology, and other ancillary test results in support of research studies and clinical cases. After an initial training period, the fellow will be responsible for preparing written reports of both gross and histological findings for assigned cases. The fellow will participate in duty rotations for necropsy service and pathology on call every 3-4 weeks. Emphasis will be placed on diagnosis of primate-specific disease, experimental pathology of NHPs, and specialized tissue collection and handling techniques. The average caseload is approximately 15-18 cases per week and consists of both research support and diagnostic colony cases. Histologic findings will be reviewed with a senior pathologist on a weekly basis and turn-around of cases is expected to meet clinical and research expectations. The fellow will be responsible for participating in weekly seminars based on the Joint Pathology Center Wednesday Slide Conference (WSC) material. In addition, the fellow will participate in weekly clinical veterinary and pathology rounds on campus. The fellow will be expected to investigate and prepare a manuscript of interesting cases or retrospective analyses of diseases/conditions to submit for publication.  This fellow will be responsible for presenting cases for the Virtual Slide Conferences conducted by the NPRC Pathology Working group, participating in journal club with residents in laboratory animal medicine, and preparing a submission for the Joint Pathology Center (WSC). The fellow will be responsible for teaching visiting veterinary student externs on pathology rotations as applicable, and for assisting with training of support staff in pathology-specific necropsy techniques.

 

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards:

1. Perform gross postmortem evaluation of laboratory NHP in support of the ONPRC research mission and NHP colony. This includes administering sedative/anesthetic agents for euthanasia, performing perfusions and special dissections, tissue collection and distribution, determining specimens needed for supplemental laboratory tests, data collection and report preparation.

 

2. Perform microscopic evaluation of NHP and other laboratory and wildlife species when indicated (less than 5% of caseload). in support of colony and research aims

 

3. Participation in training activities including weekly histology review with senior pathologist, weekly JPC Wednesday Slide Conference presentations, clinical veterinary rounds, pathology rounds, LAM journal club and preparation of annual submissions to JPC and Virtual Slide Conference.

 

4.Evaluation of pathology data, preparation of case reports and projects, for publication

 

5. Other duties as assigned in support of the Pathology Services Unit

Education:

• D.V.M./V.M.D. degree from a veterinary school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association

Experience:

• Demonstrated interest in laboratory animal pathology

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral formats in English

• Strong organizational skills

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Ability to work effectively with coworkers, investigators, and animal care staff

• Ability to work independently, in a small group, and one-on-one with pathologists and staff

• Ability to prioritize work demands

Experience:

• Two years of anatomical pathology residency and have passed ACVP phase 1 exam

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Experience in gross and microscopic interpretation of lesions, collection and analysis of data, necropsy report preparation, scientific report preparation

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Some work is performed in a laboratory setting, with potential risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals, human and monkey tissue potentially containing agents infectious to humans including Macacine herpesvirus 1, other biohazardous agents, and dry ice
• Some work conducted at Animal Biosafety Level 3
• Evening and weekend work occasionally as required by scope of the position

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & EQUIPMENT USAGE: 

• Ability to carry and lift up to 40 lbs
• Ability to stand for up to four hours per day
• Ability to sit and use a computer and/or microscope for one to two hours at a time
• Adequate manual dexterity and visual acuity to perform tissue dissections, gross and microscopic evaluations, and operate a microscope
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment including powered air purifying respirator (PAPR)

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.