Research Assistant II

SUMMARY

Assist in research on genetic alterations related to antiviral drug resistance in human cytomegalovirus. Characterize the viral mutations responsible for a drug-resistant phenotype and associated changes in growth and biological function of the virus.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Other duties as assigned...

• Perform viral and cell culture using aseptic techniques.
• Analysis of viral growth by microscopy and enzyme assays.
• Viral DNA, RNA and protein extraction, purification, and analysis, including cloning and DNA sequencing.
• Construction of recombinant viral strains containing designated mutations.
• Assays for viral drug susceptibility, antigen and gene expression.
• Participate in laboratory and biosafety training and maintain safe laboratory practices.
• Acquisition and preparation of starting materials and reagents for research.
• Accurate and timely data entry and maintenance of laboratory records and electronic databases.

JOB DUTIES

• As defined above, with further elaboration as follows:
• Quality control activities including continuous review and modification of experimental techniques, laboratory records, specimen archives, and databases.
• Timely ordering, acquisition and preparation of starting materials for laboratory research, including reagents, cultures, glassware and plasticware. Maintain records of supplies and reagents ordered and received. Cleaning and sterilization of materials using on-premises equipment.
• Operation and maintenance of specialized equipment including microscopes, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, digital cameras, and computers.
• Informed interpretation of experimental data and planning for subsequent experiments.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the safety or health of employee or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's (University) degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry or microbiology and research laboratory with documented research laboratory experience (1 academic year outside of coursework) in cell culture sterile technique, molecular cloning, genetics, and proteomics. Ability to operate standard molecular biology equipment.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret English language technical documents without difficulty, such as safety regulations, operating and maintenance instructions, research papers, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and make accurate entries in laboratory notebooks and databases. Efficient English verbal communication and understanding of experimental plans, procedures, observations, and results.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute serial dilutions, mean, median, standard deviation, rate, ratio, and percent, and to draw and interpret line charts. Understanding of the meaning of units of concentration such as nanomolar and micromolar, their essential distinction and interconversion.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Job absolutely requires specialized computer skills which will be in constant use. Must be adept at using various applications including database, spreadsheet, word processing, and e-mail. Adept at using Microsoft office suite including Excel and Access. Awareness of network-specific requirements for use of multi-user databases.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense in situations involving safety and integrity of persons, environment, materials and data, commensurate with the required level of education and research experience. Sufficient understanding to carry out instructions competently, when furnished in written, oral, or diagram form at a level of detail expected for those with the required educational and technical background. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

No special certificates or licenses are required for this position.

LOCATION and ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Primary job location is located on the VA Portland Health Care System campus.

New employees must submit COVID-19 vaccination documentation or seek an exemption within 8 weeks of beginning employment.

The Portland VA Research Foundation is an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status such as race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, or age. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Please apply online at and include a CV and cover letter explaining your interest in the position. Cover letter should include description of recent work history as it relates to the specific responsibilities in the job announcement.