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Lab Operations Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Aquent

Lab Technician

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

... Lab Technician, supporting our client's senior Innovators in bringing concepts to life ... This is a high-energy, technical contract role centered on machine operation, prototype ...

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Lab Operations information

See Portland, OR salary details

$10

$26

$47

How much do lab operations jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab operations in Portland, OR is $26.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Lab Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Lab Operations, you need a solid background in laboratory techniques, quality control, and safety protocols, typically supported by a degree in a scientific field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), instrumentation calibration, and regulatory standards like GLP or ISO is essential. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help ensure smooth workflow and collaboration within the lab. These competencies are crucial for maintaining accurate results, regulatory compliance, and efficient lab functioning.

What are some common challenges faced in lab operations roles, and how can they be effectively managed?

Professionals in lab operations often encounter challenges such as maintaining compliance with safety regulations, managing inventory and equipment calibration, and ensuring smooth workflow coordination among team members. Staying organized and implementing standardized protocols can help mitigate these issues. Additionally, strong communication skills and regular training support efficient collaboration between scientists, technicians, and support staff, which is crucial for minimizing errors and maintaining a productive lab environment.

What are Lab Operations?

Lab Operations refers to the processes, systems, and people responsible for ensuring that a laboratory runs smoothly and efficiently. This includes managing equipment, supplies, safety protocols, scheduling, and regulatory compliance. Those working in lab operations may coordinate experiments, maintain instruments, oversee inventory, and support researchers or scientists. The goal is to create a safe and organized environment that enables scientific work to be carried out effectively and in compliance with industry standards.

What is the difference between Lab Operations vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab OperationsLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in a science or related fieldOften requires an associate degree or certification in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentInvolves overseeing lab workflows, managing staff, and ensuring complianceHands-on testing, sample preparation, and data recording in laboratory settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in research labs, clinical labs, and industrial settings for management rolesCommon in clinical, medical, and industrial laboratories for technical tasks

Lab Operations professionals focus on managing laboratory workflows, staff, and compliance, often requiring a bachelor's degree. Laboratory Technicians perform hands-on testing and sample analysis, typically with an associate degree or certification. While both roles are essential in laboratory settings, Lab Operations roles are more managerial and oversight-oriented, whereas Laboratory Technicians are more technical and operational.

What are popular job titles related to Lab Operations jobs in Portland, OR? For Lab Operations jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Operations jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Operations jobs in Portland, OR are:
Lab Operations jobs near you
Postdoctoral Scholar

Postdoctoral Scholar

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 89 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 530 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department Overview

The Mansoor lab seeks a postdoctoral scholar who is interested in structural biology and drug development. The scholar will receive training in the expression and purification of membrane proteins for biophysical and structural analysis, specifically single particle cryogenic electron microscopy (Cryo-EM), as well as training in electrophysiology.

Applicants must be NIH training grant eligible (US Citizen or Green Card holder).

Applicants should send a cover letter describing research experience and interests, a CV, and contacts for references to Steven E. Mansoor (mansoors@ohsu.edu).

The Mansoor Lab studies the molecular structure and function of ion channels and receptors in the cardiovascular system to develop novel small molecules for the treatment of conditions such as hypertension, angina, and platelet aggregation. Typical techniques and experiments in the lab include, but are not limited to, molecular biology, tissue culture, electrophysiology experiments in both Xenopus oocytes and mammalian cells, and protein expression and purification preparations to get isolated receptor for structural studies, including both X-ray crystallography as well as single particle cryogenic electron microscopy. Applicants must have prior biochemistry and molecular biology experience and be comfortable with these types of experiments. Preference will be given to applicants with previous training in membrane protein biochemistry, X-ray crystallography and/or cryogenic electron microscopy.

Function/Duties of Position
  • Primary Research (including planning, granting, execution, analysis, publication)
  • a. Maintain laboratory compliance documentation for human, animal, biological and radiological work.  b. Be familiar with lab safety infrastructure and ensure compliance with all safety regulations.c. Interact with biosafety, chemical safety, and safety officers on behalf of the Principal Investigator.
  • a. Generate data and research analysis for investigator's use in preparation of technical reports and publications.b. Assist the PI with manuscript preparation and grant applications.c. Present, or assist in the presentation of, research projects at retreats, seminars, conferences and other OHSU or public venues.
  • Providing training to users on lab practices and protocols, including sample preparation and instrumentation use.
  • Maintain an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook of all experiments performed. Participate in lab meeting.
  • Training of lab personnel and supervision of Research Assistants, students and other lab members.
  • Perform routine lab operations, including but not limited to the purchase of laboratory supplies, monitoring supplies and maintaining all laboratory equipment.
  • Other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor in furtherance of the lab's research and the university's missions and goals of teaching, research, patient care, outreach and public service.
    • Required Qualifications
    • PhD in biological sciences or a related field
    • Experimental design and interpretation of results
    • Basic molecular biological methods of DNA manipulation and analysis
    • Gene analysis techniques
    • Basic protein analysis techniques such as western blots, immunoprecipitation and immunostaining skills, mammalian cell culture
    • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
    • Strong scientific curiosity, problem-solving skills and research integrity
    • High attention to detail and accuracy
    • Demonstrated success working independently and as a member of a collaborative team
    • Ability to communicate effectively, in both written and oral formats
    • Working knowledge of office computer applications, such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint
    Preferred Qualifications
    • PhD in Biochemistry or Biophysics/Physics
    • Experience identifying, manipulating, or using nucleic acid aptamers, ideally from de novo selection by SELEX

    • SELEX, nucleic acid and protein purification, chromatography, biophysical binding analysis, analytical biochemistry

      • Programming using Unix

      • Knowledge of membrane protein biochemistry.

    Additional Details

    Position is located at the OHSU Marquam Hill campus in Portland, Oregon.  The work schedule will be set by the supervising faculty, dictated by the needs of the research and planned experiments.  Working evenings, weekends and extended hours may be required depending on the needs of the research.  Work environment is in an open wet lab, in the presence of laboratory chemicals and automated equipment.

    Employee will need to work at lab benches, desks and/or microscopes for up to 8 hours at a time. Ability to perform repetitive lab manipulations (gripping, grasping, reaching, twisting), move lab equipment up to 50 lbs with accommodation, perform image analysis operation and help others with equipment use. Personal protective equipment must be worn as required. (Gloves, mask/respirator, eyewear, lab coat, etc.) Willing to work with radioactive materials, recombinant viruses, and possibly small animals such as mice and rats.

    Must be able to communicate orally and in writing the results of scientific experiments; must be able to use a standard computer and screen up to 6 hours per day.

    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: FULL_TIME

    What Oregon Health & Science University employees say

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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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