1

Scientific Instrumentation Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

... scientific instrumentation, or other highly technical markets. * Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence executive stakeholders and build cross-functional partnerships. * Executive ...

... science from a four-year college or university. * At least 2 years of experience in ICP-MS and metal screening. * Experience in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting ICP instrumentation.

... instrumentation that supports critical quality control processes. This is an exciting opportunity ... While we work in science, there's no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific ...

New

... instrumentation that supports critical quality control processes. This is an exciting opportunity ... While we work in science, there's no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific ...

New

... instrumentation that supports critical quality control processes. This is an exciting opportunity ... While we work in science, there's no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific ...

New

Senior Calibration Engineer

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$161K - $284K/yr

Strong understanding of calibration methodologies, instrumentation, and measurement science. * Ability to analyze complex hardware/software interactions. * Experience working directly with hardware ...

Showing results 21-40

Scientific Instrumentation information

See Portland, OR salary details

$15

$30

$81

How much do scientific instrumentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for scientific instrumentation in Portland, OR is $30.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.92 and $31.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in scientific instrumentation?

To thrive in Scientific Instrumentation, a strong background in physics, engineering, or a related scientific field, along with hands-on experience in instrument design and troubleshooting, is essential. Familiarity with CAD software, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and certifications such as ISO 17025 are typically required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the accuracy, reliability, and innovation necessary for developing and maintaining complex scientific equipment in research and industry settings.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in scientific instrumentation, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in scientific instrumentation often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions, staying current with rapidly evolving technologies, and ensuring precise calibration for accurate results. Addressing these challenges typically involves continuous training, collaborating closely with research scientists and engineers, and maintaining detailed documentation. Developing strong problem-solving skills and leveraging manufacturer support networks can also help professionals efficiently resolve technical issues and keep instruments running optimally.

What is the difference between Scientific Instrumentation vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectScientific InstrumentationLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsTechnical degrees, certifications in instrumentation or engineeringAssociate's or bachelor's degree in science or related field
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, R&D labs, technical serviceResearch labs, clinical, educational institutions
Employer & Industry UsageInstrument manufacturers, research institutionsHospitals, universities, research facilities
Common Search & ComparisonTechnical roles in instrumentationLab support roles

Scientific Instrumentation involves designing, maintaining, and repairing complex scientific devices, often requiring specialized technical certifications. Laboratory Technicians perform routine testing and support research activities in lab settings. While both work in scientific environments, Scientific Instrumentation focuses on technical expertise with equipment, whereas Laboratory Technicians handle sample processing and data collection.

What is scientific instrumentation?

Scientific instrumentation refers to the design, development, and use of devices and equipment that measure, analyze, or control physical, chemical, or biological processes in scientific research and industrial applications. These instruments include spectrometers, microscopes, chromatographs, and sensors, among others. Professionals in this field work on ensuring accuracy, precision, and reliability of measurements, often collaborating with scientists and engineers. Their expertise is crucial in laboratories, manufacturing, healthcare, and environmental monitoring, enabling advances in research and technology.
Infographic showing various Scientific Instrumentation job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,512 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

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

156th of 616 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.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