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Communications Research Assistant information

See Portland, OR salary details

$20.7K

$52K

$75.3K

How much do communications research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for communications research assistant in Portland, OR is $52,032.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $58,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Communications Research Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Communications Research Assistant, you need strong analytical abilities, research skills, and a relevant degree in communications, media studies, or a related field. Familiarity with statistical analysis tools (such as SPSS or Excel), survey platforms, and academic databases is typically required. Attention to detail, effective written and verbal communication, and strong organizational skills make candidates stand out in this position. These skills ensure accurate data collection, insightful analysis, and clear reporting, all of which are critical to supporting successful communications projects and strategies.

How does a Communications Research Assistant typically collaborate with other team members and departments?

As a Communications Research Assistant, you will frequently work alongside communications specialists, marketing teams, and sometimes external stakeholders to gather and analyze data. You may assist senior researchers with literature reviews, data collection, and summarizing findings for reports or presentations. Regular collaboration ensures that research insights are accurately integrated into campaigns and organizational strategies, and you’ll often participate in team meetings to discuss progress and share updates. Clear communication and adaptability are essential, as you’ll need to coordinate with various departments to meet project goals and deadlines.

What does a Communications Research Assistant do?

A Communications Research Assistant supports research projects related to media, public relations, or organizational communication. Their tasks typically include gathering and analyzing data, preparing reports, conducting literature reviews, and assisting with surveys or interviews. They help ensure that research findings are accurate and contribute to the development of communication strategies or academic studies. This role often requires strong analytical, writing, and organizational skills.

What is the difference between Communications Research Assistant vs Communications Coordinator?

AspectCommunications Research AssistantCommunications Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related fieldBachelor's degree; experience in communications preferred
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, data analysis, report preparationMedia campaigns, content creation, stakeholder communication
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research firms, media outletsCorporations, nonprofits, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that Communications Research Assistants focus on data collection, analysis, and supporting research projects, while Communications Coordinators handle the implementation of communication strategies, media relations, and content management. Both roles require strong communication skills and related credentials, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

What job categories do people searching Communications Research Assistant jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Communications Research Assistant jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Communications Research Assistant jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Communications Research Assistant job openings:
Communications Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Communications Research Assistant job openings in Portland, OR as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,032 per year, or $25 per hour.
Research Assistant or Senior Research Assistant

Research Assistant or Senior Research Assistant

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR • On-site

$20.50 - $28/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 89 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

106th of 528 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department Overview

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 25 faculty with research spanning mechanisms of cellular crosstalk, epigenetic regulation, cell signaling, and immune activation across cancer, infection, and other disease pathologies.

Function/Duties of Position

A Research Assistant or Sr Research Assistant position is available in the lab of Dr. Katelyn Byrne at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute in the exciting field of cancer immunology. The Byrne 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 pancreatic cancer and cutting-edge imaging platforms to deeply investigate mechanisms of tumor-immune crosstalk and perform preclinical immunotherapy trials.

The Research Assistant or Sr Research Assistant will work under the supervision of Dr. Byrne and senior lab staff to provide technical support for ongoing research projects. Responsibilities will include:

  • Animal husbandry and mouse colony maintenance.
  • Animal dosing and monitoring (i.e., injections, blood collection) for preclinical immunotherapy trials.
  • Processing of tissue samples from mice.
  • Molecular and cell biology assays, such as lentiviral transduction, immunohistochemistry and cyclic immunofluorescence staining.
  • Immunological assays, such as primary lymphocyte isolation, multiparameter flow cytometry, T cell culture, and ELISA.
  • Data analysis and presentation at lab meetings.
  • Procurement, preparation and organization of common lab reagents.
  • Lab house-keeping tasks.
Required Qualifications

Research Assistant

  • 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 cell and molecular biology wetlab techniques. 
  • Strong organizational skills. 
  • Independent problem-solving ability.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication and time management.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Coursework in immunology and/or cancer biology.
  • 1+ year prior research experience. 
  • Experience with animal handling and immunological techniques.
Additional Details

Work is generally 40 hours per week during normal working hours, however, some evening and weekend work may be necessary.

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

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

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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

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