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Research Assistant Position Jobs in Portland, OR

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Research Assistant Position information

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$8

$23

$33

How much do research assistant position jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 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 are popular job titles related to Research Assistant Position jobs in Portland, OR?

For Research Assistant Position jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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:

Research Assistant Position jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Assistant Position job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,328 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Research Assistant

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR

$20.50 - $28/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

167th of 621 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department Overview

The Knight Cancer Institute, known as one of the pioneers in personalized cancer medicine, is an international leader in research and cancer treatment. We are comprised of biologists, chemists, biomedical engineers, computationalists, and clinicians conducting groundbreaking translational cancer research to help people maintain a high quality of life and reduce cancer mortality, and to have a positive impact on the state of Oregon.

We are committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community. We are dedicated to promoting inclusion and multiculturalism by having outstanding researchers of diverse backgrounds work together on multiple projects. We encourage high-risk, high-reward research projects because defeating cancer requires out-of-the-box thinking and new perspectives. Our research is milestone driven to ensure that each project is fulfilling its stated goals.

Function/Duties of Position

The Traer lab at the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology is recruiting for a Research Assistant position to join an established and collaborative team working on leukemia cell culture models for novel drug testing and development. Work performed in this position will be of basic to moderate complexity and the expectation will be that the individual in this position will be able to function with direct or general supervision.

You will be tasked with maintaining ongoing cultures of primary samples and performing long term experiments involving experimental design, drug administration, data visualization, and communication with pharma stakeholders. Experience with primary sample cell culture methods, flow cytometry, and data analysis/visualization is highly desirable. Experience with R/Python programming is also preferred.

Required Qualifications

Education and experience: 

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.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities: 

  • Excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time
  • Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
  • Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships
  • Ability to operate scientific equipment and develop and troubleshoot experimental protocols
  • Experience handling chemical and biologically hazardous materials
  • Knowledge of policy and regulations applicable to the laboratory, including but not limited to safety
  • Demonstrated ability to learn new and innovative processes quickly
Preferred Qualifications
  • Cell culture and flow cytometry with primary patient samples
  • Aseptic tissue culture technique
  • RNA/DNA extraction and library preparation experience
  • Use and understanding of R and Python programming languages
Additional Details

Working conditions: 

  • Typical schedule: M-F roughly 9am-5pm, sometimes nights and weekends
  • Work schedule may vary depending on job/study requirements
  • Work location is primarily in the Knight Cancer Research Building.  Remote work is not a guarantee.
  • May be required to travel to other Knight worksite locations, including using the tram.
  • Lab work involves possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low doses of radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids, presence of carcinogenic substances and human and animal tissues and fluids, including whole animals.
  • May include travel to meetings for educational purposes and/or for data presentations

Physical demands & equipment usage:

  • Ability to be comfortable with long periods of standing and/or sitting
  • Ability to occasionally lift and/or carry objects weighing up to 20 pounds, with occasional stoops and bends
  • Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions
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

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887

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