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Research Assistant Position Jobs in Portland, OR

This is a mid-level research assistant position. It provides, under the overall supervision of a Principal Investigator, general and technical assistance in support of a specific research program ...

Research Asst 2

Portland, OR · On-site

$25.83/hr

This is a mid-level research assistant position. It provides, under the overall supervision of a Principal Investigator, general and technical assistance in support of a specific research program ...

This is a mid-level research assistant position. It provides, under the overall supervision of a Principal Investigator, general and technical assistance in support of a specific research program ...

Research Assistant

Portland, OR · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

The Fey Lab at Reed College is looking for a Research Assistant to work on an NSF funded project ... The starting pay for this position is $XX/hour. Pay offers are contingent upon experience and are ...

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Research Assistant Position information

See Portland, OR salary details

$8

$23

$33

How much do research assistant position jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for research assistant position in Portland, OR is $23.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $27.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research assistant job salary?

The salary for a research assistant position varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and field of research. In the United States, entry-level research assistants typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, with higher salaries for those with advanced skills or graduate degrees. Part-time roles may pay hourly, often ranging from $15 to $25 per hour.

What is the difference between Research Assistant Position vs Research Associate?

AspectResearch Assistant PositionResearch Associate
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often required; some roles may need a master'sMaster's or Ph.D. often preferred; more specialized experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, research institutions, healthcare settingsResearch labs, universities, industry R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, non-profitsUniversities, private companies, biotech firms
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level research rolesViewed as a more advanced research position

The Research Assistant Position typically involves supporting research activities under supervision, requiring a bachelor's degree. In contrast, a Research Associate usually has more experience or advanced degrees, taking on more independent responsibilities. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but the Research Associate position generally demands a higher level of expertise and specialization.

What work does a research assistant do?

A research assistant supports research projects by collecting, analyzing, and organizing data, conducting literature reviews, and assisting with experiments or fieldwork. They often use tools like spreadsheets and statistical software and may work under the supervision of a lead researcher or professor.

Is it hard to get a job as a research assistant?

Securing a research assistant position can be competitive and often requires relevant academic background, strong organizational skills, and sometimes prior research experience. Candidates who demonstrate proficiency with research tools and methods, such as data analysis or laboratory techniques, tend to have better chances of obtaining the role.

What qualifications do I need to be a research assistant?

Research assistants typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, social science, or engineering. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with research tools or software are also important qualifications for the role.
What job categories do people searching Research Assistant Position jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Research Assistant Position jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Research Assistant Position jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Research Assistant Position job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Assistant Position job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,328 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

$25.83 - $36.93/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Innovative research paves the way for improved patient outcomes. You can be a part of the research that’s driving new treatments and procedures at Legacy. In your role, you will provide general and technical assistance, initiate new protocols to improve laboratory operation and help to train students and entry-level personnel. If you’re ready to grow your skills and share in the Legacy mission of making life better for others, we invite you to consider this opportunity.

This is a mid-level research assistant position. It provides, under the overall supervision of a Principal Investigator, general and technical assistance in support of a specific research program, including (but not limited to): clerical tasks; laboratory maintenance; ordering and inventorying laboratory supplies; production, collection and analysis of scientific data; and preparation of illustrations for publication. Research assistants at this level, unlike entry-level research assistants, are expected to carry out defined tasks with some independence, to initiate new procedures to improve laboratory operation, and to assist in the training of students and entry-level laboratory personnel.

Preferred experience: molecular work (western blots, IHC, genotyping), and behavioral work using established preclinical research models. Familiarization with confocal microscopy and image analysis software (e.g. Image J). Experience with preclinical surgical techniques and colony management. Neuroscience background is preferred.


Provides adequate support to Principal Investigator in carrying out laboratory experiments. 

  • Following specific direction from Principal Investigator, carries out adequate preparations to ensure successful execution of planned experiments.

Efficiently manages the laboratory.

  • Maintains complete and accurate records.
  • Manages inventories.
  • Orders supplies and equipment.
  • Cleans laboratory.

Collects, analyzes and carefully documents data under direction of Principal Investigator. 

  • Performs statistical analysis of data.
  • Operates electronic equipment and computers. 

Maintains laboratory paperwork.

  • Photocopies.
  • Maintains vendor files and catalogs.
  • Tracks laboratory purchases.

Participates in grant-writing.

 

May serve on committees, as requested by Principal Investigator.


Education:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; Master’s degree, advanced training, or equivalent experience highly preferred.

Experience:

One year of laboratory experience required. Experience with grant writing preferred.

Skills:

Clerical skills; general laboratory maintenance skills; instruction of human subjects; operation of mechanical components and electronic instrumentation; and writing or operation of computer programs, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases image analysis, statistical analysis, and scientific graphing programs.

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May be required depending on specific position.


USD $25.83 - USD $36.93 /Hr.

Our Legacy is good for health for Our People, Our Patients, Our Communities, Our World. Above all, we will do the right thing.


If you are passionate about our mission and believe you can contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply—even if you don't meet every qualification listed. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can grow and succeed.


Legacy Health is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion or creed, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To learn more about our employee benefits click here: www.legacyhealth.org/For-Health-Professionals/careers/benefiting-you