Life Science Research Assistant Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Pro Tem Research Assistant/Associate/Postdoc - Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science - Open Pool
Job no: 536511
Work type: Faculty - Pro Tempore
Location: Eugene, OR
Categories: Research/Scientific/Grants, Chemistry, Physics
Department: Rsch Ctr Optical Molec Quant Sci
Rank: Research Assistant, Research Associate, Senior Research Associate, Postdoctoral Scholar
Annual Basis: 12 Month
Review of Applications Begins
Applications will be reviewed as needs arise
Special Instructions to Applicants
In addition to a completed application, please submit
• A current CV - must highlight research area of interest
• Names and contact information for three professional references
Department Summary
The Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science (OMQ) is an interdisciplinary research center under the Vice President for Research and Innovation and seeks to promote and facilitate research and education in the sciences wherever optics, spectroscopy, quantum science, and the physical investigation of atomic and molecular processes are involved - in either fundamental aspects or technological applications. It provides administrative support and facilities to assist in carrying out scientific research, promotes scientific interactions amongst members and with the wider academic and industrial research and development communities. Researchers in the OMQ study the fundamental interactions between light and matter-leading to development of new technologies to control light and matter with extreme precision in a broad range of applications from enhanced microscopy, spectroscopy, and communications to quantum computing and sensing. Students-undergraduate, Master's and PhD-are involved in all aspects of research at the center. OMQ fosters a collegial and stimulating intellectual environment that promotes the advancement, dissemination, and application of scientific knowledge.
Position Summary
The Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science (OMQ) at the University of Oregon is seeking qualified applicants for its open research pool. Positions are limited-duration, funding-contingent research appointments that are full time, part-time or short term, contracts not to exceed one year. There is a possibility of renewal up to a total of three years, depending on program needs, funding, and performance. The successful candidate will have the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
Examples include research assistants, research associates, or postdoctoral scholars. Research assistants conduct research under the direction of a principal investigator; research associates conduct research with only general guidance; postdoctoral scholars conduct research under the direction of a faculty member for the purpose of acquiring research training: research associates conduct research with only general guidance. Successful candidates will have the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
Minimum Requirements
• RESEARCH ASSISTANT (TYPE B): Positions require a bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Physics, or related field. In rare occasions, positions in specialized fields may allow for a combination of education and equivalent experience prior to the time of hire to satisfy the bachelor's degree requirement.
• RESEARCH ASSISTANT (TYPE C): Positions require a master's degree in Chemistry, Physics, or related field. In rare occasions, positions in highly specialized fields may allow for a combination of education and exceptional equivalent experience prior to the time of hire to satisfy the master's degree requirement.
*Ranks for each research assistant type in ascending order are senior research assistant I and senior research assistant II.
Research Associate rank or Postdoctoral Scholar:
• Terminal degree in Chemistry, Physics or related field.
• Professional experience conducting research in Chemistry, Physics or related field.
Senior Research Associate I rank:
• Terminal degree in Chemistry, Physics, or related field, plus 6 years of applicable work experience post-degree.
Senior Research Associate II rank:
• Terminal degree in Chemistry, Physics, or related field, plus 12 years of applicable work experience post-degree.
Professional Competencies
• Ability to conduct research activities under appropriate supervision and follow established research protocols.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collect, manage, and analyze research data with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Effective written and oral communication skills appropriate for research and scholarly environments.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary research team.
• Commitment to maintaining a professional, inclusive, and collegial research environment.
• Ability to comply with university policies, research compliance requirements, and applicable safety standards.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to meet research project goals and deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications
• Prior research experience in optical science, spectroscopy, molecular science, quantum science, physics, chemistry, or a related interdisciplinary field.
• Experience conducting experimental, theoretical, or computational research involving light-matter interactions.
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, optical or spectroscopic techniques, or quantum-related research tools, as applicable.
• Prior research experience in optical science, spectroscopy, molecular science, quantum science, physics, chemistry, or a related interdisciplinary field.
• Experience conducting experimental, theoretical, or computational research involving light-matter interactions.
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, optical or spectroscopic techniques, or quantum-related research tools, as applicable.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting scientific data using appropriate analytical or computational methods.
• Experience contributing to scholarly publications, presentations, posters, or technical reports.
• Experience working in an interdisciplinary research environment that includes students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• For research associate or postdoctoral scholar roles: evidence of increasing independence in research activities.
• Experience supporting grant-funded or contract-funded research projects.
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.
The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.
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Advertised: March 27, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: March 27, 2027 Pacific Daylight Time