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.

A key staff member responsible for coordination and support for specific sections of ongoing and newly funded projects using non-human primates in the study of the immune system, immunodeficiencies, infectious diseases, and specific pathogen free non-human primate projects. The incumbent will have responsibility for managing/coordinating protocols, scheduling procedures with internal and external laboratories, and communications with research and animal program units. They will be responsible for preparation of written reports, regulatory documentation, laboratory/image analysis, and materials for manuscripts/grants. They will also be responsible for developing and maintaining study budgets to ensure support for over 1000 rhesus macaques encompassing >75 new and ongoing research projects. The incumbent will also contribute to the development and refinement of research related tools, imaging, procedures, and analysis. Additionally, the incumbent will be directly involved in the onboarding and training of new and current IDR staff.  Individual must have excellent skills with behavior training, data collection, data entry, and reporting of research findings in written and oral formats to local and national collaborators.

 

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards:

 

Specialized Area of Responsibility

• Assist with specialized projects and procedures including but not limited to coordination with multiple research groups to help ensure that the >75 research protocols involving typically >1000 rhesus and >100,000 procedures expected each year are appropriately organized and scheduled
• in ways that allow for them to be performed successfully, efficiently, and safely
• Coordinate with the veterinary, animal care, surgical, and principle investigative staff to facilitate project expectations, schedules, and progress
• Provide feedback to investigative staff on progress and project goals
• Responsible for coordinating with offsite laboratories for data analysis of biomedical samples.
• Perform and train collaborators on the use of fluorescence imaging technology. Requires exceptional level of technical ability, safety training, and detailed knowledge primate anatomy and physiology 
• Assist with scheduling, coordination, and space management for the animals to ensure appropriate procedure/surgery/necropsy space is available, labs are able to process samples, and housing is appropriate for the experimental protocols
• Maintain working knowledge of regulations set forth by the USDA, IACUC, AAALAC, and other agency guidelines that govern research in non-human primates and ensure regulatory compliance
• Prepare various reports containing descriptive and analytical data, evaluate data that may be submitted for publication or contribution to grant application(s), progress reports, etc. 
• Responsible for developing and maintaining study budgets as well as ensuring inventory needs are met
• Facilitate communication, training, and oversite of research assistants
• Intimate contact and working relationship with geriatic, infant, or immune compromised, and ABSL3 level non-human primates

Technical skills:

• Perform a variety of laboratory procedures, including cell separation, immunoassays, cell staining, flow cytometry, and cell culture.
• Perform minor surgical biopsy sampling, BALs, blood, and other minor procedures and sample collection on non-human primates
• Perform anesthetic monitoring of non-human primates
• Drug and antibody administration

Laboratory Management and Administration

• Responsible for maintaining laboratory inventory, ordering, and supply restocking
• Shipping and handling of animal tissues to various support laboratories
• Make reagent solutions; routine laboratory and equipment maintenance.

Data Analysis and Presentation

• Analyze and summarize data from ongoing projects and SPF breeding colonies
• Track and report milestones
• Present research findings to fellow researchers and external departments
• Maintain accurate records of data obtained during research

Perform various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the program.

Education:

• Master's in relevant field AND1 year of relevant experience. OR Equivalent combination of training and experience

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Ability to communicate effectively, including use and meaning of scientific terminology, in both written and oral formats
• Ability to work both independently and in a small group setting
• Working knowledge (6 months relevant work experience) of Microsoft Excel, Word
• Demonstrated independence and competence to perform data management and analysis of research finding, including use of spreadsheets, graphics and statistical programs
• 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 stamples
• Organizational skills and careful attention to details to satisfactorily perform job duties requiring procedural steps to be consistent and completed fully and timely
• Detailed record keeping, cataloging of samples, data entry and statistical analysis, laboratory maintenance, autoclaving and use of sterile techniques

Education:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal sciences, immunology or pathology

Experience:

• 3+ years laboratory work performing immunoassays and cell separation techniques
• Experience in managing labs or research units, training and supervising of students and RA’s
• Has a minimum of 3 years of laboratory experience in molecular/cellular biology, animal, and/or invivo research
• May require specific experience in particular area of research

 

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Maintaining inventories of laboratory supplies and equipment
• Experience with geriatic, infant, or immune compromised, and ABSL3 level non-human primates

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work schedule is routinely Monday through Friday (from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM) to start and may shift to a 4-10s schedule after training period. Evening and weekend work may be required by scope of the position
• Work performed in laboratory setting, with potential risk of exposure to chemicals and ultra-low freezers
• Work in areas where there is risk of exposure to zoonotic agents through injury, by direct contact with animals (NHP) or their tissues and body fluids, or by contact with equipment contaminated by animals or their tissues and body fluids
• Work where there is risk of exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals and sanitizing chemicals

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & EQUIPMENT USAGE:

• Must be able to lift and move equipment/items/animals weighing up to 50 lbs
• Work in a biosafety hood for long periods
• Physical dexterity to work in areas that may have slippery conditions and ability to minipulate exsisting animal housing
• Ablity to stand/walk for extended periods of time (4+hours/day)
• Ability to kneel/lift/reach for short periods of time

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.