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Behavioral Research Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR

Research Assistant

Portland, OR · On-site

$20.50 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform behavioral experiments using fruit flies ( Drosophila melanogaster ) and analyze resulting ... At least 1 research project in the form of a paper (published or on bioRxiv) or an undergraduate ...

Research Assistant

Portland, OR · On-site

$20.50 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform behavioral experiments using fruit flies ( Drosophila melanogaster ) and analyze resulting ... At least 1 research project in the form of a paper (published or on bioRxiv) or an undergraduate ...

Research Assistant

Portland, OR · On-site

$20.50 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform behavioral experiments using fruit flies ( Drosophila melanogaster ) and analyze resulting ... At least 1 research project in the form of a paper (published or on bioRxiv) or an undergraduate ...

Research Scientist

Portland, OR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position Announcement Position Details Proposed Start Date 09/01/2026 Rank CR - Research Asst ... behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds. * Seeks opportunities to gain ...

Participate in special projects and trainings as assigned. * Assist with short-term coverage for ... or biology, statistics/research methods, substance misuse, criminogenic/forensic ...

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Behavioral Research Assistant information

What is a behavioral research assistant?

Behavioral Research Assistants are professionals who support the design, implementation, and analysis of studies focused on human behavior. They typically work under the supervision of principal investigators in academic, clinical, or organizational settings. Their responsibilities may include recruiting participants, collecting data through surveys or experiments, managing databases, and assisting with literature reviews. These roles are essential for ensuring research is conducted ethically and efficiently, contributing valuable insights into psychological, social, or behavioral phenomena.

What are some common challenges faced by behavioral research assistants when collecting and managing participant data?

Behavioral Research Assistants often encounter challenges such as ensuring participant compliance, maintaining data accuracy, and protecting sensitive information. Managing schedules for participant sessions, especially in studies with multiple time points, can be complex. Additionally, adhering to ethical guidelines and confidentiality requirements is critical, requiring attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Collaborating closely with principal investigators and other team members helps address these challenges and ensures the integrity of the research process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a behavioral research assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavioral Research Assistant, you need a background in psychology or a related field, experience with research methodology, and strong data collection and analysis skills. Familiarity with statistical software (like SPSS or R), survey platforms, and institutional review board (IRB) procedures is typically required. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing studies and collaborating with research teams. These competencies ensure accurate data gathering, ethical research practices, and successful project execution.

What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Research Assistant jobs in Portland, OR?

For Behavioral Research Assistant jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Behavioral Research Assistant jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Behavioral Research Assistant jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Behavioral Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Behavioral Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Research Assistant job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$20.50 - $28/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

163rd of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department OverviewThe Vollum Institute is a privately endowed research institute at Oregon Health & Science University dedicated to basic research that will lead to new treatments for neurological and psychiatric diseases. Vollum scientists have broad-ranging interests that coalesce around molecular neurobiology and cellular physiology. Their work has transformed the field of neuroscience and, in particular, have provided important advances in the study of synaptic transmission, neuronal development, neurotransmitter transporters, ion channels and the neurobiology of disease.Function/Duties of Position

The purpose of the position is to assist with setting up the Yang Laboratory, to provide fly husbandry and immunostaining support, and to carry out research projects in the Yang lab. In addition, the position entails help with lab up-keep and ordering and maintaining laboratory resources.

  • Perform immunostaining and confocal microscopy and analyze resulting data.
  • Perform behavioral experiments using fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) and analyze resulting data.
  • Perform imaging experiments using fruit flies and analyze resulting data.
  • Ordering, organize and manage laboratory supplies.
  • Prepare common lab reagents and solutions for scientific experiments.
  • Teach other lab members experimental and data analysis techniques.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's in any field; OR

  • Associate's AND 2 years of relevant experience; OR

  • 3 years of relevant experience; OR

  • Equivalent combination of training and experience.

  • Basic laboratory skills

  • Confocal microscopy skills

  • Light sheet microscopy skills

  • Image analysis skills with FIJI, Imaris, and LuxBundle

  • Teaching/tutoring/mentoring in biology or another STEM field

  • At least 1 research project in the form of a paper (published or on bioRxiv) or an undergraduate thesis.

  • D. melanogaster husbandry, genetic screening, and microsurgery skills.

  • Skill at using FlyBase and BLAST.

  • Programming skills in Python.

  • Immunostaining.

  • DNA and RNA extraction skills.

  • NMR and IR spectroscopy skills.

  • Chromatography skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Has taken at least 1 course at an undergraduate level or higher in each of the following areas: genetics, computational biology, and developmental biology.
  • Organized, independent, and possesses problem-solving abilities.

  • Ability to communicate openly to maintain effective working relationships.

Additional Details

Monday - Friday, days, with occasional evening or weekend work.

Typical laboratory environment; standing, sitting and lifting are required.

Benefits 

  • Healthcare for full-time employees covered 100% and 88% for dependents.
  • $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
  • Two separate above market pension plans to choose from.
  • Paid time off - 208 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
  • Extended illness bank - 64 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
  • 9 paid holidays per year.
  • Substantial Tri-Met and C-Tran discounts.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Childcare service discounts.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Employee discounts to local and major businesses.
Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: OTHER

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About Oregon Health & Science University

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Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887