The mission of the department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology at OHSU is to improve our basic understanding of biological mechanisms relevant to human health and disease. The department is composed of 29 faculty with research spanning mechanisms of cellular crosstalk, epigenetic regulation, cell signaling, and immune activation across cancer, infection, and other disease pathologies.

 

A Research Assistant 2 or Senior Research Assistant position is available in the lab of Dr. Megan Burger at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute in the exciting field of cancer immunotherapy. The Burger Lab focuses on uncovering factors regulating T cell responses against cancer to inform the design of next generation cancer immunotherapies. We use genetically engineered mouse models of lung cancer and human lung cancer patient samples to deeply investigate mechanisms of tumor-immune crosstalk and identify novel targets for immunotherapies. 

The Research Assistant 2/Senior Research Assistant will work under the supervision of Dr. Burger to provide technical support to the lab and carry out research projects. Duties will include:

• Mouse colony maintenance and procedures: health checks, genotyping, weaning, injections.
• Coordinate and carry out collection of patient samples from clinicians at the hospital.
• Wet lab duties: Under minimal supervision, perform mouse necropsies and tissue/blood processing. Carry out basic to advanced molecular, cell biology and immunology wet lab techniques including mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning, flow cytometry, immunostaining and genomics assays.
• Collect data and perform data analysis and quantification using relevant software and statistical tests. Present data at lab meetings and project supergroup meetings.
• Perform routine laboratory housekeeping tasks and order equipment and supplies.
• Career Development: Participate in appropriate activities that enhance general knowledge of or ability to do assigned work, including attending classes, seminars, and other training forums; staying current in relevant literature; participating in preparation of manuscripts and grant proposals; participating in staff meetings and other informational sessions; reading vendor documentation as appropriate to position.
• Other duties as assigned.

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, organized, self-starter that enjoys working as part of a team. The candidate will have demonstrated experience with standard cell and molecular biology techniques in a research setting, data analysis and interpretation. The ideal candidate will have Immunology expertise and research experience with immunological assays and mouse models of disease. The candidate would have the opportunity to apply to the OHSU PROPEL post-baccalaureate program toward career development goals.

Research Assistant 2

• Bachelors in a relevant field; OR
• Associates AND 3 years of relevant experience; OR
• 4 years of relevant experience OR
• Equivalent combination of training and experience.

Senior Research Assistant

• Bachelor's in relevant field AND 1 year of relevant experience; OR
• Equivalent combination of training and experience.

Required for Both

• Experience with molecular and cell biology wet lab techniques in a research lab setting, including mammalian cell culture, PCR, molecular cloning, western blotting and immunostaining.

• Experience with immunological techniques in a research lab setting, especially flow cytometry and FlowJo analysis.

• Experience analyzing, interpreting and presenting scientific data in a research lab setting.

• Animal husbandry and necropsy experience.

• Experience with lab maintenance tasks (i.e., ordering, inventorying, equipment maintenance).

• Immunology coursework.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Independent problem-solving ability.

• Excellent interpersonal communication and time management.

• Masters degree in a relevant field OR Bachelors degree with 3+ years of research experience.

• 2+ years experience with molecular and cell biology and immunological techniques.

• 2+ years experience with animal handling and research.

• Experience with advanced research techniques, such as spectral flow cytometry, single-cell RNA-sequencing, proteomics and multiplexed spatial imaging methods.

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time.

• Excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills, both written and verbal.

• Experience assisting with the training of junior staff or students.

• Experience volunteering in a hospital setting.

Work locations include OHSU South Waterfront and Marquam hill campuses. Work is generally 40 hours per week during normal working hours, however, some evening and weekend work may be necessary, particularly around patient sample collections.

 

Additional safety training will be required to work with cell lines, human blood, and infectious viruses in a BSL-2 environment. Working with laboratory animals is required, as well as with human blood and tissue samples.

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.