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 Cuzon Carlson and Grant Laboratories at the Oregon National Primate Research Center are recruiting for a highly motivated Research Assistant to provide support funded studies involving behavioral protocols using non-human primate subjects. These studies require flexible work hours, involve animal husbandry, training animals to use computerized equipment, troubleshooting equipment, working with computer databases and programs assessing cognitive abilities using food and visual reinforcement. The Grant Laboratory is located on West Campus in Beaverton. The position requires working weekends and holidays on occasion, however only 40 hrs/week is expected with flexible work scheduling. All work is on site,  there are no telecommuting opportunities for this position. 

 

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards:

 

1. Technical Research:  Conduct animal research with minimal supervision to determine alcohol self-administration in the non-human primate.  These responsibilities include the day-to-day animal husbandry and data collection.  Responsibility also includes the training and supervision of rhesus monkeys to obtain daily food and fluid, as well as cognitive tests, through a computer-operated panel. Must use problem solving and keen observational skills in support of studies.

 

2. Programming/ Troubleshooting/ Equipment Maintenance and Repair: Resolve issues with computer-controlled equipment and existing programs. Assist with compiling large databases with collected research data.

 

3. Data Collection/ Data Analysis/ Record Keeping:  Daily collection of scientific data pertinent to the research projects; must keep accurate records of information obtained during research, analyze results, and produce daily and weekly summaries to monitor animal trends and potential problems with experimental upkeep (which may include database searches).

 

4. Other duties as required or assigned, to fulfill the mission of this laboratory such as scheduling procedures, preparing samples for assay, etc

Education:

• Bachelor's in relevant field OR
• Associate's AND 3 years of relevant experience OR
• 4 years of relevant experience OR
• Equivalent combination of training and experience

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Must think strategically and work accordingly producing effective results and working efficiently within the time constraints of the position
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats
• Ability to work independently and in small group settings
• Ability to interact in a positive and productive manner and to work efficiently and skillfully with a variety of diverse staff
• Ability to prioritize work demands and coordinate research protocols with other staff
• Organizational skills and careful attention to details to satisfactorily complete and perform job duties

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or behavioral sciences such as psychology, neuroscience, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, zoology, or animal science

Experience:

• Prior work in biological/research laboratory

• Research experience with non-human primates

• Microsoft Excel, Advanced Excel (indirect referencing, functions, Visual Basic); PsychoPy programming

• Knowledge of Python or experience with programming Python

• Experience with relational database such as PostgreSQL

• Experience with programming National Instruments Labview

• Experience in basic electricity and wiring

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Normal work schedule will be full time and occasionally include working the weekends (Saturday and Sunday)
• Hours will be approximately 08:00-16:30, but may also include occasional work on holidays to be rotated among the technical staff
• Work is performed in a the laboratory setting with potential risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals and dry ice, exposure to noise hazards in animal areas or moving or racks, 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: 

• Able to lift/move equipment/animals weighing up to 50 lbs
• 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)
• Ability to stay standing for extended periods of time (up to 1-4 hours)
• Ability to hear audible cues from monkeys or their equipment

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.