Research Technician

Summary

The goal of our laboratory is to investigate disturbances in the sleep and wake cycle in traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), Alzheimer's disease, and autism. Within the Sleep & Health Applied Research Program (SHARP, PI: Miranda Lim), rodent models are utilized to translate findings to human subjects.

A Research Technician is needed to assist with portions of experiments in both animal models of disease and human subjects. This person will provide regular progress updates during lab meetings and will report to senior research staff. The ideal candidate is independent, highly organized, highly motivated, detail-oriented, analytical, creative, and shows enthusiasm for neuroscience and clinical research. Training will be provided, but the ideal candidate is expected to be a self-starter and will be expected to multi-task on several experiments at a time within our fast-paced laboratory. Strong candidates will be comfortable working both independently and in close teams.

The position requires on-site work, in person, with occasional web-based meetings. If the candidate is from out of state, a motivation to relocate to Portland should be described in the cover letter. This position is for 10-20 hours per week with the opportunity to work additional hours and responsibilities if mutually agreeable after an introductory period, usually 3-6 months. Please indicate in cover letter preference for working in clinical (human) or pre-clinical (rodent) research. The hourly rate will be $17.00/hour.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

- Assist with experiments in rodent and human subjects

- Work together with and report to multiple members of the laboratory. Ability to interact professionally and regularly communicate with lab members and supervisors.

- Stay highly organized, take notes, and document daily activities/experiments with strong attention to detail

- Work on-site regularly with occasional remote meetings as needed

JOB DUTIES

Set up and conduct experiments alongside the pre-clinical and/or clinical research teams. Pre-clinical research team: Assist with surgical procedures in rodents, tissue collection and processing, and animal behavioral testing. Clinical research team: Assist with study visits and scheduling, prepare research supplies and shipments, configure equipment, and process biospecimens.

- Data collection and entry into shared databases

- Independently troubleshoot new techniques and equipment, and create documentation

- Meet regularly by phone or video as required.

- Prepare figures and documents for publications and/or presentations as requested

QUALIFICATIONS

Interest in neuroscience and desire to learn new techniques and procedures; strong organizational and multi-tasking skills; ability to work independently and in teams.

Able to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employee or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to work on-site daily, with occasional weekend hours when needed.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

College-level coursework in Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, or Engineering. Preference for experience with neuroscience or clinical research methods.

COMPUTER SKILLS

- Skillfully uses a PC as primary means of communication (email, video conferencing, Slack)

- Facile with troubleshooting and maximizing internet connectivity

- Advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint

- Able to troubleshoot new computer software as needed for data collection and analysis

LOCATION and ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The 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 a description of recent work history as it relates to the specific responsibilities in the job announcement.