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 Research Project Coordinator supports the planning, organization, and execution of in vivo translational research studies involving nonhuman primate models of retinal and neurodegenerative disease. Reporting to the Senior Research Project Manager, this position provides both project coordination and hands-on research support, ensuring studies are conducted efficiently, ethically, and in compliance with OHSU and ONPRC regulations. The coordinator manages study timelines, organizes experimental schedules, maintains regulatory documentation, and assists with imaging, behavioral testing, and sample collection as needed. This role serves as a vital link between investigators, veterinary teams, and laboratory personnel, facilitating clear communication and smooth execution of ongoing research projects.

 

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards:

 

Project Coordination, Scheduling, Support:

The Research Project Coordinator develops, maintains, and tracks detailed project timelines for multiple concurrent in vivo studies. They schedule imaging sessions, surgeries, and sample collections in collaboration with veterinary and animal care teams, ensuring proper resource allocation and adherence to approved protocols. The coordinator documents all study milestones and communicates upcoming activities and changes to relevant personnel. The coordinator facilitates effective communication among research, veterinary, and administrative teams. They help plan and document project meetings, maintain task lists and deliverables, and relay updates between investigators and support staff.

 

Regulatory and Documentation Management:

This position assists with preparing, updating, and maintaining IACUC protocols, amendments, and renewals. The coordinator ensures that all research documentation, including procedural records, data logs, SOPs, and correspondence, is accurate, complete, and audit-ready. They support compliance with NIH, ONPRC, and OHSU regulations governing animal welfare and laboratory safety.

 

In vivo Project Support, Data Organization and Reporting:

The coordinator assists with in vivo experimental procedures as needed, including preparing equipment and supplies for imaging or surgical sessions, observing animal behavior, and supporting sample collection and labeling. They ensure that all data, observations, and imaging outcomes are accurately recorded and organized. This position maintains familiarity with study protocols to support experimental readiness and continuity between research staff and investigators. The Research Project Coordinator compiles experimental data, imaging metrics, and clinical observations into organized spreadsheets or databases. They assist in generating progress summaries, reports, and visualizations for project meetings, grant updates, and manuscripts.

 

Operational and Administrative Support:

The position supports purchasing and tracking project-specific supplies, assists with budget documentation, and ensures laboratory and administrative workflows remain efficient. The coordinator may participate in onboarding new staff or trainees by assisting with scheduling and orientation documentation.

 

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

Education:

• Master's in relevant field AND 1 year of relevant experience OR
• Equivalent combination of training and experience
• May require specific experience in particular area of research

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to handle multiple concurrent projects
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data-management applications
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with scientists, veterinarians, and administrative staff

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific, healthcare, or administrative discipline such as biology, public health, psychology, or project management, OR
• equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Master’s degree in research administration, biomedical sciences, or public health
• Coursework or certification in project management or regulatory compliance

Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience coordinating research or academic projects in a clinical, translational, or laboratory environment
• Demonstrated experience with data organization, scheduling, and documentation
• Familiarity with institutional compliance processes (IACUC, IRB, or EH&S)
• Experience coordinating animal-based or translational research studies
• Background in laboratory data systems, imaging coordination, or multi-team project management
• Experience supporting grant or manuscript preparation.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Experience with project-management software (e.g., Smartsheet, Asana, MS Project)
• Knowledge of data security, record retention, and reporting standards
• Familiarity with scientific terminology and experimental documentation.

Compliance:

• Experience preparing or maintaining audit-ready regulatory documentation and contributing to institutional reporting requirements
• Knowledge of and adherence to OHSU, ONPRC, NIH, and IACUC policies and procedures
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality, data integrity, and ethical research practices
• Completion of all mandatory OHSU compliance and safety trainings relevant to research administration

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The Research Project Coordinator works in a combination of office, laboratory, and animal research environments at the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC).
• The position involves both computer-based administrative duties and limited participation in laboratory and in vivo procedures.
• Work may include exposure to biological samples, anesthetic agents, and nonhuman primate research environments, requiring strict adherence to OHSU Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) and Animal Care and Use protocols.
• The position generally follows a Monday–Friday schedule, though occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends may be required to accommodate imaging sessions, surgeries, or time-sensitive data collection.
• The role involves routine communication with research and veterinary teams and requires the ability to move between office, lab, and animal facilities as needed.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, masks, and safety eyewear must be worn as appropriate.
• All work must comply with institutional biosafety, animal welfare, and occupational health standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & EQUIPMENT USAGE: 

• The Research Project Coordinator must be able to perform a mix of desk-based administrative work and light hands-on laboratory tasks.
• The role involves periods of sitting at a computer for data entry, analysis, and documentation, interspersed with time spent in laboratory or animal research settings.
• The incumbent should be capable of standing, walking, bending, and reaching during experimental procedures and lifting or moving materials up to approximately 50 pounds.
• Fine motor skills are required for handling laboratory equipment, labeling samples, and assisting during imaging or behavioral assessments.
• The position involves frequent use of computers, data management software, and project-tracking systems, as well as laboratory instruments such as pipettes, centrifuges, microscopes, biosafety cabinets, and imaging systems. Occasional proximity to anesthetized animals and coordination with veterinary or surgical teams is expected.
• The coordinator must use appropriate PPE and follow all OHSU safety, ergonomic, and animal care standards.

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.