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Research Lab Assistant Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant

Eugene, OR · On-site

$20 - $29/hr

Overview Research Assistant Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center is looking for a ... While experience in a lab setting - performing testing and other bench processing work - can be ...

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Research Lab Assistant information

See Oregon salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do research lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for research lab assistant in Oregon is $21.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Lab Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Lab Assistant, you need a background in laboratory sciences, attention to detail, and knowledge of standard lab procedures, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with lab equipment, safety protocols, and data management systems such as LIMS is typically expected. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively set standout candidates apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate experimental results, maintaining laboratory safety, and supporting research productivity.

What are some common challenges faced by Research Lab Assistants, and how can they be effectively managed?

Research Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks simultaneously, maintaining accuracy in data collection, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on lab work can be demanding, especially during busy project phases. Effective time management, clear communication with the research team, and organization skills are essential to successfully navigate these challenges. Proactively seeking clarification and regular training on lab procedures can also help minimize errors and improve efficiency.

What does a Research Lab Assistant do?

A Research Lab Assistant supports scientists and researchers by preparing and maintaining laboratory equipment, conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and ensuring the lab is clean and organized. They may also be responsible for documenting results, ordering supplies, and following safety protocols. Their role is essential for the smooth functioning of research projects and helps advance scientific studies efficiently.

What is the difference between Research Lab Assistant vs Research Technician?

AspectResearch Lab AssistantResearch Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant certificationAssociate's degree or specialized training
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, assisting with experimentsLaboratory, often more hands-on with equipment
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech firmsResearch institutions, healthcare, biotech companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level research rolesClarifying technical support roles in labs

The main difference between a Research Lab Assistant and a Research Technician lies in their responsibilities and qualifications. Research Lab Assistants typically support experiments and perform basic lab tasks, often requiring an associate's degree. Research Technicians usually have more technical duties, including operating equipment and data collection, often with similar or additional certifications. Both roles are vital in research environments, but the Research Technician generally has more technical responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Lab jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Research Lab jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Lab Assistant jobs in Oregon? For Research Lab Assistant jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Lab Assistant jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Research Lab Assistant jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Research Lab Assistant jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Research Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Lab Assistant job openings in Oregon as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,526 per year, or $21.4 per hour.
Research Associate

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

The OHSU Dermatology Research Division merges basic, clinical and translational research in epithelial cell cancers and dermatologic diseases. Our basic and clinician-scientists are committed to innovative research on cancer and inflammation of skin with an impact on understanding causes and improving future treatment of muco-cutaneous diseases and providing more effective patient care.

The person who fills this position will report to Noah Hornick, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, in investigating methods for surveillance of melanoma recurrence / metastasis, as well as mechanisms of inflammation in the skin during adverse reactions to cancer immunotherapy. Responsibilities will include conducting experimentation that leverages techniques including the processing of human tissue samples (skin, tumor, and blood) in order to extract single cells, nuclei, DNA, RNA, and protein; histologic work including the chromogenic and fluorescent labeling and imaging of slides, preparation of spatial, single-cell, and bulk RNA libraries for sequencing, cell culture, and flow cytometry. The Research Associate will also be responsible for contributing to documentation and data analysis related to this experimentation, as well as to the preparation of figures for publication.

Function/Duties of Position
  • Supports basic day-to-day functions of the lab, including assisting with ordering supplies. Oversees and assists with training of new or temporary students and other personnel. Attends all laboratory research and division/department meetings. 
  • Independently sets up and carries out cell culture experiments with cell lines and primary human skin cells. Analyzes results using techniques listed in position summary. Independently prepares, labels, and images slides using stains, immunolabeling, and in situ hybridization with both chromogens and fluorophores. Processes human blood and tissue to produce single-cell suspensions, single-nucleus suspensions, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, serum, and plasma. Prepares cDNA libraries for sequencing from fixed and frozen tissue through 10X Genomics protocols: Visium, Chromium, Chromium Flex, and Epi Multiome. Prepares and labels single-cell suspensions from patient samples and cultured cells, performs flow cytometry analysis. 
Required Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in relevant field AND 3 years of relevant experience

    • OR

  • Bachelor's Degree in relevant field AND 5 years of relevant experience.

  • At least 1 year of relevant work experience in biomedical research lab

  • Fluency with relevant mathematics / basic statistics, experience with MS Excel 

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in relevant field and 5 years of relevant experience.

  • Prior imaging or histology experience, single-cell transcriptome analysis experience, R programming, and python programming experience are helpful
  • Knowledge of immunology, dermatology, or sex hormone biology
Additional Details

The schedule will be full-time (40 hours per week), though the hours can be flexible on mutual agreement and may include evening and weekend work as needed depending on experimental timing demands. The location will be primarily in the dermatology laboratory and associated equipment rooms in CHH1. Specialized experiments will be conducted in core facilities. Exposure as part of this position may include human tissues and fluids.

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

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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