The Department of Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University is seeking a senior scientist who can lead the basic science efforts in the lab. The successful candidate will join Dr. Jonathan Brody’s lab with the goal of understanding the molecular aspects of pancreatic cancer, how tumor cells adapt to microenvironmental stimuli, and to develop and optimize targeted, personalized therapies for this disease. Currently, the lab is funded to study post-transcriptional gene regulation driven by the RNA-binding protein, HuR. Dr. Brody’s work has demonstrated that tumor cells exploit HuR function to stabilize and enhance expression of genes pivotal for adaptation to the tumor microenvironment (i.e., low glucose, hypoxia, and chemotherapeutic exposure). Typical laboratory techniques require expertise with cellular and molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR, RNAseq), protein extraction and western blotting, cell culturing, microscopy, and mouse work. The laboratory is always interested in incorporating new techniques and strategies (including using an -omic approach to complement bench work).

 

The Research Associate will be responsible for most of the planning, implementation, and data interpretation associated with their own research. Additionally, the successful candidate is expected to interact with graduate students and be actively involved in their scientific supervision and in the general research directions of the lab (both technically and intellectually). A critical aspect of this position is to establish and maintain collaborations by taking full advantage of the terrific network of labs offered within OHSU, including the Brenden Colson Center for Pancreatic Care and the Dept. of Surgery (for which Dr. Brody is Associate Director for Translational Studies and Vice Chair for Research, respectively), as well as the Knight Cancer Institute. This is an ideal position for the ambitious candidate who wants to bring their scientific career to the next level, and has tremendous potential for establishing a strong long-term scientific program.

• Planning, implementation, and data interpretations associated with their research.
• Animal experiments – small animals
• Scientific supervision of graduate students 
• Preparation of grants and manuscripts
• Establishment and maintenance of new and existing collaborations within OHSU and at other institutes 
• Data analysis 

• PhD in relevant field AND
• 1 year of relevant experience OR
• Master's Degree in relevant field AND
• 5 years of relevant experience OR
• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field AND
• 9 years of relevant experience
• Demonstrable experience with molecular biology, cellular biology and animal studies related to cancer research.
• Experience with animal pre-clinical models of disease.
• Experience in tissue staining, imaging and analysis.
• Must be able to work independently with little supervision.
• Must interact with graduate student and other learners.
• Demonstrable experience with some or all of the following techniques: molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR, RNAseq), protein extraction and western blotting, cell culturing, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and mouse work.
• Planning, implementation, and data interpretation experience.
• Organizational and time management skills that maintain timeliness of work and accurate prioritization.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to engage with collaborators within the lab, and internally or externally to OHSU.
• Ability to conduct research in a multidisciplinary, fast-paced research environment, occasionally with tight deadlines.

• PhD or MD with research experience or MD PhD in biological sciences with an emphasis on molecular and cell biology
• Past experience with grant writing, lab management, organizational skills
• Western Blotting, RNA and DNA work, RT-PCR, flow cytometry, and/or immunohistochemistry is highly desired.

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.