Research Assistant Environmental Science Jobs in Portland, OR

Department Overview

The Wang Lab in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon, is recruiting a Research Assistant to support NIH-funded research focused on developing fluorescent small-molecule probes for fluorescence guided surgery and disease early detection. 

We are seeking a motivated scientist who is excited to work at the interface of chemistry, engineering and translational medicine. Applicants should submit a cover letter describing their research interests, and a CV.

Portland is a bike-friendly and scenic city with a vibrant culture around music, coffee, food, and outdoor recreation. The Pacific Ocean, Cascade Mountains, and Columbia River Gorge are all within approximately 90 minutes of the city, providing exceptional opportunities for hiking, skiing, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.

Function/Duties of Position

The Research Assistant will contribute to the full probe development pipeline, including multi-step organic synthesis and purification of novel fluorophore candidates, structural verification and purity assessment by HPLC-MS and NMR, and photophysical characterization through absorption and emission spectroscopy, molar extinction coefficient measurements and quantum yield determination. The position will also support preclinical evaluation of imaging probes in rodent models under approved IACUC protocols, including probe formulation, intravenous administration, terminal surgical dissection, fluorescence imaging and image analysis. 

• Chemical synthesis and purification.
• Structure and optical property characterization.
• In vivo imaging studies.
• Attendance and presentation at lab meetings, contributions to publications and applications for funding (writing, figures, data).
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's in relevant field; OR

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

• 4 years of relevant experience; OR

• Equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to follow written protocols and standard operating procedures accurately and consistently.
• Demonstrated knowledge of general laboratory safety practices, including chemical handling, personal protective equipment, and waste disposal.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate, legible, and complete experimental records
• Applied ability to perform quantitative calculations required for laboratory work, including concentration, dilution, and dosing calculations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with standard computer applications for data entry, analysis, and scientific communication.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a research team, communicate clearly with colleagues, and coordinate on shared equipment and timelines.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. in chemistry, Biochemistry, or related scientific discipline.
• Prior laboratory research experience in small-molecule synthesis and preclinical in vivo imaging, gained through undergraduate research, internship, or employment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry, including multi-step synthesis, reaction monitoring by thin-layer chromatography, purification by automated flash chromatography, and structural verification by HPLC-MS, NMR.
• Experience independently troubleshooting synthetic reactions and optimizing reaction conditions to improve yield and purity.
• Applied expertise in photophysical characterization of small-molecule fluorophores, including absorption and emission spectroscopy, molar extinction coefficient determination, and relative quantum yield measurement.
• Experience independently performing rodent procedures under an approved IACUC protocol, including intravenous tail-vein administration, terminal surgical dissection, and tissue harvest.
• Proven track record of acquiring fluorescence imaging data under standardized acquisition conditions on preclinical imaging systems.
• Applied expertise in quantitative image analysis using MATLAB or comparable software
• Demonstrated knowledge of experimental design and statistical comparison of group means using standard analysis software.
• Proven track record of contributing to multi-investigator research projects requiring coordination across chemistry, animal, and imaging workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare figures, methods text, and data summaries suitable for manuscripts, grant reports, or scientific presentations.

Additional Details

This position is located at OHSU's south waterfront campus (RLSB and KCRB); work hours are 8:00am - 5:00pm with occasional evening and weekend work as needed. Work is performed in a laboratory research environment.

The position involves routine handling of hazardous chemicals, including organic solvents and reagents requiring use in a chemical fume hood, and work with laboratory rodents. Exposure to laboratory animals, rodent bedding and allergens is expected; enrollment in the OHSU Occupational Health program for rodent handlers is required. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and safety eyewear, is required. Work involves use of light sources and associated optical imaging equipment; laser and optical radiation safety training will be required if applicable to the equipment in use. The position requires standing at a bench or fume hood for extended periods, fine motor manipulation for chemical and small-animal procedures, and the ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds (e.g., solvent containers, gas cylinders, etc.). Visual acuity sufficient for reading instrument displays, thin-layer chromatography plates, and fluorescence images is required. Experimental timepoints may require occasional evening or weekend work to complete time-sensitive synthesis or in vivo imaging studies. Work is performed on site; the position is not eligible for remote work.

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: FULL_TIME