1

Science Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Science Assistant information

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

To thrive as a Science Assistant, you need a foundation in laboratory techniques, data collection, and a relevant science degree or coursework. Familiarity with lab equipment, safety protocols, and data analysis software such as Microsoft Excel or specialized scientific tools is typically required. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication help you support research teams and maintain accurate records. These skills ensure reliable research outcomes, safety in the lab, and efficient collaboration within scientific projects.

What are some typical tasks a Science Assistant handles during a research project?

Science Assistants are often responsible for preparing laboratory equipment, collecting and organizing data, and assisting with experiments under the supervision of senior scientists. They may also maintain laboratory records, ensure compliance with safety protocols, and help analyze preliminary results. Collaboration with other team members, such as lab technicians and researchers, is common, making strong communication and organizational skills essential for success in this role.

What does a Science Assistant do?

A Science Assistant supports scientists and researchers by helping with laboratory experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing materials and equipment. Their duties may also include maintaining lab records, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and assisting in the preparation of reports or presentations. Science Assistants play a critical role in helping research projects run smoothly and efficiently, making them valuable team members in academic, government, or private laboratories.

What is the difference between Science Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectScience AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or relevant certificationAssociate degree or technical diploma
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, educational institutionsResearch labs, industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research organizationsHospitals, biotech companies, research facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both Science Assistants and Laboratory Technicians support scientific research and work in laboratory environments, Science Assistants often focus on assisting with experiments, data collection, and educational activities, typically requiring an associate degree or certification. Laboratory Technicians usually handle more technical tasks like equipment maintenance and sample analysis, often with similar credentials. The roles overlap in work environment and industry usage, but their specific responsibilities differ based on the setting and focus of work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Science jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Science jobs in Portland, OR are:
Assistant Staff Scientist

$68.31K - $113.84K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 89 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

106th of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview
The School of Dentistry shares the mission of the Oregon Health & Science University to provide educational programs, basic and clinical research, and high quality care and community programs. We strive to foster an environment of mutual respect where the free exchange of ideas can flourish. The dental school prepares graduates in general dentistry and the dental specialties to deliver compassionate and ethical oro-facial health care.
Function/Duties of Position
The Pfeifer lab is a collaborative Research group within the School of Dentistry, Department of Biomaterial and Biomedical Sciences. The lab was established in 2011 and has been continuously supported by the NIH-National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, and others. We have a strong track record in the fields of Biomaterials and Polymer Chemistry, with over 150 publications and several full patents. Our focus is to develop materials solutions for use in healthcare applications (including oral) with a heavy emphasis at the interface with microbiology and host tissue interactions. We have been able to be successful in this quest thanks to a multi-disciplinary team of highly collaborative individuals, including materials scientists, clinicians, engineers, chemists and microbiologists. The work we do spans traditional materials science and cell biology. We'd love for you to join us!
Dr. Carmem Pfeifer seeks an Assistant Staff Scientist with extensive knowledge of microbiology and materials science related methods to drive research projects to academic and translational goals. This person will contribute to scientific direction of numerous projects and share the management responsibilities for lab members working on those projects. Technical expertise in the area molecular biology and molecular design, as well as collaborative research approach are key to success in this role.
Required Qualifications
  • PhD in relevant field (Bioengineering, Biology, Biomaterials, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science)
  • Doctoral degree in Biomedical Sciences or related fields and a minimum of 3 years of post-doctoral work experience in a research lab with a focus on material-tissue/biofilm interactions
  • Intimate knowledge of molecular biology and microbiology assays
  • Knowledge of how to operate various instrumentation and basic engineering principles for applications and troubleshooting with instrumentation (including at least a few of the following: Mechanical testing: universal testing machine (flexural strength, fracture toughness, dynamic mechanical analysis, rheology); Spectroscopic techniques (IR and UV-Vis, mass spec, GPC, HPLC); Imaging (SEM and confocal microscopy)
  • Ability to optimize and adapt existing molecular biology protocols for analysis of modified material surfaces
  • Familiarity with spatial analysis approaches such as spatial transcriptomics, especially for engineered tissues or on-chip systems
  • Familiarity with technical writing, including research manuscripts, methods manuscripts, patents, and other IP documentation
  • Ability to lead discussions around research projects and proactively communicate with research team members for the success of the project
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time
  • Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills: both written and verbal
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
  • Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Access, Word, and PowerPoint) on Window OS, and other advanced graphing and image design software (Prism, Origin, Photoshop, Adobe illustrator)
  • Ability to use empathy and diplomacy to support trainees and other lab members

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with molecular biology techniques, in silico docking, molecular simulations, microbiology, materials science
  • High-quality peer-reviewed publications
  • Grant writing experience
  • Small molecule synthesis
  • Peptide synthesis
  • MATLAB
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Workshop experience

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.edu

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