Research Assistant

Department Overview

This role is a key position as a research assistant in the laboratory of Dr. Brian O'Roak studying the genetic basis and developmental neuroscience of autism and related disorders. Key responsibilities will include supporting studies utilizing rodent and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) models, human cell culture, as well as human genomics projects.

Applicants must have basic laboratory skills and knowledge of standard molecular biology and cell culturing techniques, such as DNA extraction, molecular cloning, PCR, Sanger sequencing, working in tissue culture. A strong background with rodent models and/or stem cell tissue culture, including genotyping and animal husbandry, is also required. Experience in neuroscience, human genetics/genomics, or molecular biology (genome editing) is strongly preferred, as well as a bachelor's degree in the biological sciences. This position demands excellent organizational skills, time flexibility, and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment.

Function/Duties of Position

• Provides assistance with mouse colony management and husbandry, tissue dissection, immunohistochemistry and genotyping. Assists with running behavioral assays and maintaining cell cultures.
• Plans, conducts, and completes laboratory experiments under the supervision of the head of the laboratory.
• Performs primary molecular genetic techniques including PCR, gel electrophoresis, enzymatic analyses, fluorescence assisted cell sorting (FACS), fluorescent and light microscopy, plasmid preparation, DNA isolation from mouse and human tissues, next-generation library preparation, and studies of gene expression.
• Assignments require the performance of complex test procedures and analyses involving multiple procedures and a variety of technical approaches. Operates a variety of instruments and scientific equipment, including operation, quality control and maintenance.  Assists with experiments and assays, preparing solutions, collecting and entering data, maintaining databases, assuring compliance with established safety procedures and maintaining required documentation.
• Collects, records, organizes and verifies the accuracy of data. Conducts literature searches and summarizes information in an appropriate format for a particular study; Documents and interprets results of experiments and reports to principal investigator. Presents experimental results at lab meetings and participates in journal and research group meetings. 
• Assists in the daily operation of the lab including hazardous waste disposal, sterilization of equipment, cleaning glassware, general servicing of equipment and ordering lab supplies, and preparation of media and buffers.

Required Qualifications

• 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

• Basic laboratory skills and knowledge of standard molecular biology techniques.

• Sterile tissue culture technique.

• Mouse handling and colony management or stem cell tissue culture 
• Ability to manage a mouse colony, including setting up matings, collecting tissue, and genotyping 

• Ability to culture human cells using sterile tissue culture techniques and familiarity with stem cells 

• Standard laboratory skills and knowledge of standard molecular biology techniques 

• High level of attention to detail and proven ability to manage time effectively, especially with competing priorities.

• Knowledge of academic research settings and ability to work with qualitative and/or quantitative methods of data collection.

• Ability to communicate well and work with faculty and staff within the department and University.

• Ability to take initiative and work independently and in a team environment.

• Ability to complete tasks in an accurate and timely manner.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences.

• 2-4 years of experience serving on a research team.

• Human genetics/genomics.

• Advanced molecular biology.

• Next-generation library preparation.

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 [email protected]