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Researcher Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Researcher Assistant information

See Portland, OR salary details

$31.8K

$119.9K

$174.5K

How much do researcher assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for researcher assistant in Portland, OR is $119,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $163,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a researcher assistant?

Researcher Assistants are professionals who support scientists, scholars, or other researchers in conducting studies and experiments. Their tasks often include collecting and analyzing data, preparing materials, conducting literature reviews, and maintaining laboratory equipment or records. Researcher Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring that research projects run smoothly and efficiently. They may work in academic, scientific, technical, or medical settings, and often gain valuable experience that can lead to further career advancement in research or academia.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a researcher assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Researcher Assistant, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a relevant academic background, often in the field of research. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS or Excel), online research databases, and sometimes laboratory equipment is typically required. Excellent organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively help someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure accurate data collection, efficient project support, and meaningful contributions to research outcomes.

What are some typical challenges researcher assistants face when balancing multiple projects, and how are these usually managed within research teams?

Researcher Assistants often juggle several projects with overlapping deadlines and priorities. This can be challenging, especially when coordinating data collection, literature reviews, and reporting tasks simultaneously. Most research teams address this by holding regular check-ins, using project management tools, and setting clear expectations about deliverables. Developing strong organizational skills and proactive communication with supervisors and team members are key strategies to manage workload effectively.

What is the difference between Researcher Assistant vs Research Associate?

AspectResearcher AssistantResearch Associate
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree or ongoing education in a related fieldUsually a master's degree or higher in a relevant discipline
Work EnvironmentSupportive research settings, labs, or academic institutionsIndependent research projects, often with more responsibility
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesUniversities, research organizations, private sector R&D
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level research rolesCompared for more advanced research positions

The main difference between a Researcher Assistant and a Research Associate lies in their experience, education, and responsibilities. Researcher Assistants typically hold a bachelor's degree and support research activities, while Research Associates usually have higher qualifications and take on more independent research tasks. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but they differ in scope and level of responsibility.

How much does a research assistant get paid?

Research assistants typically earn an hourly wage or a stipend, with pay rates varying by industry, experience, and location. In the United States, the average hourly pay ranges from $12 to $20, and some positions may include benefits or academic credit, especially for graduate students or in research-intensive environments.

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; some positions may require specific technical skills or experience with data analysis. Advanced degrees are often preferred for higher-level research roles.

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

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

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Researcher Assistant jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Researcher Assistant job openings:

Researcher Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Researcher Assistant job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% 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 $119,945 per year, or $57.7 per hour.

Research Assistant

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR • On-site

$20.50 - $28/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 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

170th of 630 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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