Senior Research Assistant

Department Overview

As a Senior Research Assistant, this position will be responsible for contributing to ongoing research projects in the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy. This includes assisting in studies related to genetic, epigenetic and transcriptomic analyses of gametes, embryos and pluripotent stem cells.

Function/Duties of Position

Research

• Cell Culture: derivation, culture, characterization and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells, day to day maintenance of cell cultures, freeze and thawing cell cultures, maintain cell culture records, order reagents, supplies and media; make reagent solutions, culture media; routine equipment maintenance, laboratory analysis by molecular, histological, and immunocytochemical methods.
• Provide assistance in studies on mitochondrial biology and epigenetic and genetic signatures of pluripotent stem cells, DNA, RNA and protein sample processing, preparation of media, general sterile cell culture laboratory upkeep, (manual and computerized). Assist in planning of experimental design and data analysis.
• Expand cell banks and establish novel pluripotent stem cell lines from various sources including SCNT, parthenogenesis, direct reprogramming (iPS cells).
• Perform various molecular techniques such as DNA prep, PCR, Immunocytochemistry.
• Animal related research procedures such as mice injection, mice tissue collection, derivation of mouse embryonic fibroblast cells, teratoma injection and analysis, and assisting in mouse colony maintenance.

Data Collection/Data Analysis/Record Keeping

• Collect scientific data pertinent to the research projects; keep records of information obtained during research (which may include database searches).
• Sequencing analysis.
• Maintain records in computerized database for cell lines cryopreserved for future use. Maintain the integrity of databases.

Report Preparation

• Prepare reports containing analytical, descriptive, and evaluative content that will be submitted for publication or for contribution to grant applications, progress reports, presentations at national and international meetings, etc.
• Conduct research of literature and database analysis.

Other duties as required or assigned, to fulfill the mission of this laboratory.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's in relevant field AND1 years of relevant experience; OR
• Equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Independent proficiency in pluripotent stem cell culture techniques.

• Previous work with scientists in an academic environment.

• Appreciating and cultivating a diverse study population.
• Excellent eye to detail and organization skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years of relevant research experience, with demonstrated research or clinical experience in cell biology and genetics with laboratory experience with cell culture and molecular biology assays and animal handling experience.

Additional Details

Monday through Friday, commonly 8:00 – 4:30 or 9:00 – 5:30 position with weekend and holiday call coverage. May be required to work evenings or weekends to cover laboratory cell culture duties and laboratory animal duties.

Appointee will be in contact with human, mouse, and primate tissues & fluids and will be responsible for fluid and tissue collection as related to study protocol. Training will be provided for proper handling, processes, and procedures.

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