Research Assistant Environmental Science Jobs in Portland, OR

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

This position will support the ongoing and newly funded research projects in the Infectious Disease Resource laboratory in the Division of Pathobiology at the Oregon National Primate Research Center of OHSU. The incumbent will perform a variety of hands-on procedures with non-human primates and will assist and perform laboratory procedures. Additional duties include sample collection, data entry, and reporting of observations to supervisors. Assistant will contribute to general lab support duties, including cleaning, stocking and maintenance of laboratory supplies and equipment.

Technical Research

• Preparation and collection of blood, urine, feces, hair, lymph node, bone marrow, mucosal swabs, and other samples within the scope of infectious disease research
• Shipping and handling of animal tissues to various support laboratories
• Administration of anti-retroviral therapy, antibody therapy, drugs, and sedatives to non-human primates
• Assist with surgeries of non-human primates, (including scheduling, anesthesia monitoring, recovery, aseptic technique, and administration of drugs), and assistance with necropsies.
• Assisting with specialized projects including, but not limited to stem cell transplants, gastrointestinal parasite free animals, and ABSL3 work.
• Facilitate social environmental enrichment of and clinical support for non-human primates. 

Report Preparation

• Prepare various reports containing descriptive and analytical data, evaluate data that may be submitted for clinical evaluations, SOPs, publications or contribution to grant application(s), progress reports, etc. 

Data Analysis/Records

• Maintain accurate records of data obtained during research.
• Analyze and summarize data from ongoing projects and SPF breeding colonies.
• Schedule procedures, communicate changes, review for compliance, and update documentation.

Laboratory Management

• Order reagents, supplies, and equipment.
• Make reagent solutions; routine equipment maintenance, cleaning, and preparation for procedures.
• Perform laboratory assays such as chemistry panels, complete blood cell counts (CBCs), PBMC isolation, etc.
• Participate in meetings, facilitate communications, and support teammates within group and associated collaborators.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field such as biological science; OR

• Associate's AND 3 years of relevant experience; OR

• 4 years of relevant experience; OR

• Equivalent combination of training and experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, including use and meaning of scientific terminology, in both written and oral formats.
• Ability to work both independently and in a small group setting.
• 6 months relevant work experience in Microsoft Excel, Word.
• Demonstrated independence and competence to perform data management and analysis of research finding, including use of spreadsheets, graphics and statistical programs.
• Ability to interact in a positive and productive manner, and to work efficiently and skillfully with a variety of diverse staff.
• Ability to prioritize work demands, and coordinate research protocols with other staff.
• Organizational skills and careful attention to details to satisfactorily perform job duties requiring procedural steps to be consistent and completed fully and timely.
• Detailed record keeping, cataloging of samples, data entry and statistical analysis, laboratory maintenance, autoclaving and use of sterile techniques.  

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal sciences, Immunology, Pathology or similar.

• Demonstrated experience supporting in vivo research with laboratory animals, especially nonhuman primates.
• Molecular/cellular biology, animal physiology or endocrinology, and one year laboratory work experience performing technical procedures covered by the USDA and/or OLAW.
• Experience maintaining inventories of laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Experience working with non-human primates, conducting sedation, phlebotomy, aseptic technique, injections, sample collections (BAL, feces, urine) and/or necropsies.

Additional Details

Hourly position. Work schedule is routinely Monday through Friday (from 6:30 or 7:30am to 3:00 or 5:00 PM) to start. After a training period, the work schedule may shift to a 4-10s schedule that may include weekend days. Evening and weekend work may be required by scope of the position; position is eligible for overtime.

Working Conditions

Work performed in laboratory setting, with potential risk of exposure to chemicals and ultra-low freezers.  Work in areas where there is risk of exposure to zoonotic and biohazardous agents through injury, by direct contact with animals (NHP) or their tissues and body fluids, or by contact with equipment contaminated by animals or their tissues and body fluids. Work where there is risk of exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, radioactive material, and sanitizing chemicals.  

Physical Demands and Equipment

Must be able to lift and move equipment/items/animals weighing up to 50lbs; work in a biosafety hood for long periods; physical dexterity to work in areas that may have slippery conditions and ability to manipulate existing animal housing. Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time (4+hours/day); ability to pull/kneel/lift/reach for short periods of time.

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