Neuroscience Animal Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department Overview

The Oregon National Primate Center (ONPRC) is located 12 miles west of the OHSU main campus, and sits on 162 acres of land featuring forested areas, research and administration buildings, indoor and outdoor animal housing, and 2-mile perimeter walking path. Our mission is to improve human health and the quality of life through the support of nonhuman primate research programs that advance our knowledge of the causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of debilitating diseases.

Function/Duties of Position

Independently contribute to ongoing research using the nonhuman primate as a model. Responsible for project management for several major projects in multiple divisions at ONPRC. Direct all studies assigned to the Collaborative Research Unit. Contribute to all stages of research projects, including animal research, protocol designs, IACUC applications, manuscript preparation, presentation of data at national meetings, assist in the writing of grant proposal and execute molecular biology and histochemistry related experiments. Direct reports of 2-4 technical staff. 

Oversight

• Oversee daily activities of staff and trainees.
• Provide guidance on study design and implementation of experimental design in NHPs and rodents. 
• Communicate with collaborators including external research sponsors.
• Work independently and in small group settings, and assist others in the laboratory with their procedures.

Project Management

• Maintain regulatory compliance with IACUC and IBC and EHS, and radiation safety.
• Develop and submit AUC/APF, ARF, and other Service Request forms. Facilitate DUAs, MTAs, and contracts with OHSU bodies and collaborators.
• Schedule and oversee certification and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain inventories of laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Lab purchasing.
• Development of lab SOPs.
• International shipment of dangerous goods.
• Cleaning laboratory glassware and equipment, preparing solutions, and disposing of biohazardous waste following standard laboratory protocols.
• Maintain overall laboratory cleanliness and safety compliance.
• Review monthly budgets with Dr. Weiss.

Technical Research

• Acquisition of neuroimaging data (MRI and PET) using Siemens and GE scanners exercising judgment and taking independent action as needed.
• Rodent and NHP neurosurgery, sedation and physiological monitoring, blood collection, and other specimen collections.
• Conduct checks of animal health and coordinate animal care with veterinary staff.
• Assume responsibility for specific components of research projects including ex vivo tissue collection, dissection, and processing including sectioning using cryostat and sliding microtome, staining using immunohistochemical techniques, microscopy and cell counts.

Computational Analysis

• Quantification and analysis of neuroimaging scans using FSL, PMOD, and ANTs software implemented in Linux computing environments.
• Quantification and analysis of microscopy data using FIJI, CellSens, and other software.
• Statistical analysis using software packages such as PRISM and R-studio.
• Development and maintenance of databases.

Report/Grant/Manuscript Preparation and Communication

• Present scientific methods and results to internal and external audiences in both written and oral formats.
• Contribute to the design of research studies and procedures, including grant preparation, progress reports, and manuscript writing.
• Actively participate in education and outreach programs, representing the lab in both ONPRC and public settings.
•  Attend professional meetings when financial resources permit travel.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master's in relevant field and 3 years of relevant experience.
  • Equivalent combination of Bachelor's in relevant field in conjunction with training and experience may be considered.
• Strong communication skills including use and meaning of scientific terminology, in both written and oral formats, with a demonstrated publication record.
• Experience working both independently and in a small group settings with a variety of diverse staff and collaborators.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, EndNote, Linux computing environments, neuroimaging software (FSL, PMOD, ANTs), statistical packages (PRISM, R-studio).
• Experience with database construction and management.
• Familiarity with compliance standards associated with IACUC, IBC, and EHS.
• Ability to maintain inventories of laboratory supplies and equipment, ability to perform lab purchasing and keep records of such.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field.

• 5+ years of training in neurodegeneration research.

• Experience in coordination, design and execution of biomedical research protocols; experience in research procedures with laboratory animals including rodents and nonhuman primates.
•  Experience in neuroscience research, brain imaging, and histology.
• Experience writing scientific manuscripts.
• Ability to conduct independent and collaborative research, with demonstrated experience in problem solving. 
• Ability to contribute to writing scientific papers and grant proposals.

• Experience with a variety of molecular (DNA/RNA/Protein extraction, electrophoresis, PCR) and immunohistochemical techniques, experience with IHC and microscopy, experience with NHP stereotaxic surgical technique and necropsy.

• Experience with mouse and/or non-human primate behavior and/or imaging.

• Ability to conduct independent and collaborative research, with demonstrated experience in problem solving.

• Experience working with radioactive materials.

• Experience with HPLC.

• Experience with international shipment of dangerous goods.

Additional Details

Work schedule will routinely be Monday through Friday, 8:30/9:00am to 5:00/5:30pm and may require some night or weekend hours when necessary for a particular study. Travel to national meetings 1-2 times per year based on funding.

Work is performed in both laboratory and animal handling settings, which carry a potential risk of exposure to chemicals, biohazard materials, dry ice, and low-level radioactivity; and zoonotic agents through injury, by direct contact with animals or their tissues and body fluids, or by contact with equipment contaminated by animals or their tissues and body fluids.  

Able to lift/move equipment weighing up to 50lbs.

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