Senior Research Assistant

Department Overview:

Studies focus on identification of neural circuitry and the roles that genetics, environment, and experience play in drug effects, drug abuse and dependence.

Function/Duties of Position:

• Husbandry, handling small rodents and implementing experimental protocols (e.g., weighing, giving injections/infusions, conducting surgical procedures, extracting blood or tissues, maintaining dietary regimens, preparing for and running experiments, and collecting data). % of duties may be higher for some experiments.
• Recordkeeping, data organization and data management (e.g., experimental records, lab notebooks, data entry, data checking, data summary, data analysis, data graphing). % of duties may be lower for some experiments.
• Maintenance/ordering of laboratory equipment and supplies. Assistance in building and repairing equipment. Dishwashing and autoclaving.
• Perform tissue sectioning, immunohistochemistry and microscopy experiments on rodent brain tissue.
• Perform molecular assays, including but not limited to western blotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation, RNA isolation, cDNA preparation, quantitative PCR, PCR, cloning, and gel electrophoresis.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's in relevant field AND 1 years of relevant experience; OR
• Equivalent combination of training and experience
• MS Office computer competency; Basic knowledge of basic chemistry, molecular biology, and psychology. Must be able to independently perform a variety of procedures and apply specialized knowledge based on experience. Must understand experimental protocols so that unusual or unexpected outcomes can be identified without continuous close supervision. Must work collaboratively with other lab personnel. Innovation and problem solving required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• B.S. in Biology, Neuroscience, or Biochemistry, with courses in biochemistry, chemistry, cell and molecular biology, psychology, pharmacology, neuroscience.
• Prior research experience, especially molecular and/or behavioral research with mice; prior experience handling small rodents; statistics; research design; scientific writing; computer-based research; experience with Macintosh computers and OSX.
• Familiarity with spreadsheet manipulation, graphics software, and statistical analysis.

Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.