1

Research Lab Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

Research Lab information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$23

$44

How much do research lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for research lab in Portland, OR is $23.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $29.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research lab?

A research lab is a specialized facility where scientists, researchers, or students conduct experiments and investigations to advance knowledge in a particular field. Research labs can be found in universities, hospitals, private companies, or government institutions and are equipped with tools and equipment tailored to their focus area. These labs support a variety of activities, such as basic or applied research, testing, and product development, often following strict safety and ethical guidelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a research lab position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Research Lab position, you need strong analytical skills, scientific knowledge in your field, and typically at least a bachelor's or advanced degree in a related discipline. Familiarity with lab equipment, data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or MATLAB), and adherence to safety protocols are commonly required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success. These abilities ensure accurate experimentation, meaningful results, and a safe, collaborative research environment.

What are some common challenges faced when working in a research lab environment?

Working in a research lab often involves navigating tight deadlines, adapting to rapidly changing project priorities, and troubleshooting experimental setbacks. Collaboration is key, as you'll frequently work alongside other researchers, lab technicians, and sometimes students, which requires strong communication skills. Additionally, maintaining meticulous records and adhering to strict safety protocols are essential to ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of research findings. Overcoming these challenges can be highly rewarding and can help foster valuable problem-solving and teamwork skills for your future career.

What is the difference between Research Lab vs Research Assistant?

AspectResearch LabResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically advanced degrees (Master's or PhD)Bachelor's or ongoing graduate studies
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, research facilitiesAssist in experiments, data collection in labs or field
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, corporate R&DUniversities, research projects, government agencies

Research Lab refers to a facility or organization conducting scientific research, often led by senior researchers. A Research Assistant is a role within a research lab, supporting experiments and data analysis. While both are involved in research activities, Research Lab is the environment or organization, whereas Research Assistant is a specific job position within that environment.

How to become a researcher in a research lab?

To become a researcher in a research lab, typically a bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, with many positions favoring or requiring a master's or Ph.D. for advanced roles. Gaining experience through internships, developing strong analytical and technical skills, and familiarity with laboratory tools or software can improve prospects. Building a solid publication record or research portfolio also enhances eligibility for research positions.

How to join a research lab with no experience?

Research labs often accept volunteers or interns with little to no experience, especially if you demonstrate enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. You can start by reaching out to faculty or lab managers, expressing your interest, and highlighting any relevant skills or coursework; gaining basic knowledge of research methods or laboratory tools can also improve your chances.

What does a research lab do?

A research lab conducts experiments, collects data, and analyzes results to advance knowledge in a specific field. Researchers in labs use specialized tools and techniques, often working with equipment like microscopes or computers, to develop new products, solutions, or understanding. The work typically involves following protocols, documenting findings, and collaborating with other scientists or professionals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Lab jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Research Lab jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Research Lab jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Research Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Lab job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,587 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

$20.50 - $28/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 hours 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

164th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

The Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care (BCCPC) is developing new detection methods and treatments for cancer.  One way to do that is to is to create pre-clinical animal models that can be manipulated and tested.  The purpose of this position is to assist in developing mouse models of pancreatic cancer and assess drug responses in those models.  This includes mouse colony management and husbandry, tissue dissection, and genotyping. 

As a BCCPC team member, you will work in the lab to identify in vivo drug-response metrics that best predict drug responses in patients, helping to inform clinical care.  You will be trained in growing primary cultures of tumor cells using advanced cell biology lab techniques, automated therapeutic screens, and histology techniques, as well as performing quantitative analysis of images, harvesting and processing mouse tissues, assisting in survival mouse surgeries, data entry/collection and laboratory housekeeping.  You will be responsible for conducting some phases of projects independently and may help to design experiments.

Do you have strong organizational and communication skills and the ability to work under minimal supervision?  Have you had experience with cell biology laboratory techniques?  Then consider joining Oregon's pancreas research headquarters on the South Waterfront to start building your future in the biomedical sciences.  (Please note:  this position is NOT eligible for remote work.)

Function/Duties of Position
  • Maintain mouse colonies: breeding, animal husbandry and mouse colony management.  Perform animal procedures including injections, health checks, tumor or other measurements, administering drug by mouth, injections, surgery, tissue harvest, and tissue preparation following necropsy.
  • Perform in vivo experiments including cell culture, genotyping, immunohistochemical sample preparation and processing, cell isolation and DNA/RNA purification, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and other biochemistry assays.  Perform preliminary interpretation of results to determine whether they are consistent with experimental goals.
  • Collect, record, organize and verify the accuracy of data, keeping detailed and accurate laboratory records; tabulate data, perform calculations, prepare charts, graphs and reports. May assist with preparation of figures, tables and reports for publications and grants.
  • Assist in the daily operation of the lab including hazardous waste disposal, sterilization of equipment, cleaning glassware, general servicing of equipment and ordering lab supplies, and preparation of media and buffers.
  • Assist in design of research experiments and troubleshooting; attend lab meetings and present data; attend group meetings and seminars as relevant
  • Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in relevant field OR
  • Associate's Degree AND
  • 3 years of relevant experience OR
  • 4 years of relevant experience OR
  • Equivalent combination of training and experience
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Bioscience, in-lab training
  • Animal handling
  • Computer skills; strong organizational abilities; excellent communication skills; strong data management skills; exceptional attention to detail; ability to multitask; ability to follow direction; must be able to work in a BSL-2 
Additional Details
  • Work is 40 hours per week, generally during normal working hours, however, some evening and weekend work will be necessary on occasion.  Additional safety training will be required for working with mice/cell lines/patient samples/ infectious bacteria or viruses and working within a BSL-2 environment.  Animal handling is required.
  • Personnel will need to work at lab benches or desks for up to 8 hours in a day and 2 hours at a time. Ability to perform repetitive lab manipulations (gripping, grasping, reaching, twisting, computer data entry), move lab equipment under 25 lbs with accommodation. These functions can be very repetitive.  Personal protective equipment must be worn as required (gloves, mask/respirator, eyewear, lab coat, etc.).  Ability to ride the aerial tram and walk long distances across campus.  Ability to handle physical tissue/blood specimens including use of dry ice, liquid nitrogen storage, carrying packages for shipment.
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

What Oregon Health & Science University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Oregon Health & Science University logo

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