Sr. Research Assistant

Department Overview:

Our mission is to improve human health and the quality of life through the support of nonhuman primate research programs that advance our knowledge of the causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of debilitating diseases.

Function/Duties of Position:

Coordinate with the veterinary, animal care, surgical, and principle investigative staff to facilitate project expectations, schedules, and progress, and in some cases to facilitate social environmental enrichment of non-human primates. They will also be responsible for various general lab support duties, including maintenance of laboratory supplies and equipment, autoclaving, and disposal of waste.

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards

Specialized Area of Responsibility:

• Assist with specialized projects and procedures including but not limited to coordination with multiple research groups to help ensure that the thousands of procedures expected each year are appropriately organized and scheduled in ways that allow for them to be successfully performed by IDR and associated collaborating groups
• Coordinate and execute specialized projects and procedures in ABSL2+ and ABSL3 level work with non-human primates
• Maintain and execute protocols for gastrointestinal pathogen free and MRSA free colonies
• Perform antibody infusions, drug infusion, hematology, cell transfers in non-human primates
• May provide training and oversight of staff for projects and procedures
• Develop written reports, laboratory practices/guidelines, and regulatory documentation as appropriate
• Assists with acquiring computerized tomography images in non-human primates.
• Provide detailed observation and communication to veterinarians/PIs for obese, highly immunosuppressed, geriatric, and infant macaques
• Possess general knowledge of research practices, and assists others the methodology and laboratory practices
• Administration of therapies and medications (oral, IV, IM, or SQ)
• May perform floubeam, flow cytometry, cell separation and proliferation, and additional benchwork duties as assigned
• Maintain working knowledge of regulations set forth by the USDA, OLAW, AAALAC, and other agency guidelines that govern research in non-human primates and ensure regulatory compliance

Technical Skills:

• Perform a variety of laboratory maintenance including, but not limited to machine maintenance, cleaning instruments, running assays and processing samples, and maintaining an organized work space.
• Assist with and perform biopsies (LN, BM) and Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) on non-human primates
• Coordinate scheduling and drug administration for various projects.
• Perform Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) administration
• Collection and preparation of blood samples, shipping and handling of animal tissues to various support laboratories
• Collection, data entry, and statistical analysis of data and reporting of research findings in written and oral formats

Laboratory Management, Administrative Duties, and Records:

• Managing production, supplies, and coordination with research units
• Training and supervising of research assistants
• Order reagents, supplies and equipment
• Make reagent solutions; routine equipment maintenance
• Maintain accurate animal health records
• Participate in meetings, facilitate communications, and support teammates within group and associated collaborators

Data Analysis and Report Preparation:

• Prepare reports containing descriptive and analytical data, evaluate data that may be submitted for publication or contribution to grant application(s), progress reports, etc.
• Analyze and summarize data from ongoing projects and SPF breeding colonies
• Present research findings to fellow laboratory staff and researchers in the Division of Pathobiology

Perform various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachekor's in relevant field AND 1 year of relevant experience OR
• Equivalent combination of training and experience

Job Related Knowlefge, Skills and Abilities (Compentencies):

• Ability to communicate effectively, including use and meaning of scientific terminology, in both written and oral formats
• Ability to work independently and in a small group setting
• Working knowledge (6 months relevant work experience) of Microsoft Excel, Word
• Demonstrated independence and competence to perform data management and analysis of research findings, including use of spreadsheet, graphs and statistical programs
• Ability to interact in a positive and proactive manner, and to work efficiently and skillfully with a variety of diverse staff
• Ability to prioritize work demands and coordinate research protocols with other staff
• Organizational skills and careful attention to detail to satisfactorily perform job duties requiring procedural steps to be consistent and completed fully and timely
• Detailed record keeping, cataloging of samples, data entry and statistical analysis, laboratory maintenance, autoclaving and use of sterile techniques

Preferred Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal sciences, immunology or pathology.
• Preferred current Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) license

Experience:

• 2 years laboratory work experience performing immunoassays and cell separation techniques.
• Experience in managing labs or research units, training and supervising of students and RA’s. Experience assisting with necropsy in non-human primates.
• Experience administering drugs and medication to non-human primates
• Has minimum of 1 year of laboratory exoerience in molecular/cellular biology, animal, and/or invivo research

Job Related Knowlefge, Skills and Abilities (Compentencies):

• Maintaining inventories of laboratory supplies and equipment
• Experience with geriatic or immune compromised and ABSL3 with non-human primates

Registration, Certifications and/or Licenses:

• Preferred current Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) license

Additional Details:

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work performed in laboratory setting, with potential risk of exposure to chemicals and ultra low freezers
• Work in areas where there is risk of exposure to zoonotic agents through injury, by direct contact with animals (NHP) or their tissues and body fluids, or by contact with equipment contaminated by animals or their tissues and body fluids
• Work where there is risk of exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals and sanitizing chemicals

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & EQUIPMENT USAGE:

• Must be able to lift and move equipment/items/animals weighing up to 50 lbs
• Work in a biosafety hood for long periods
• Physical dexterity to work in areas that may have slippery conditions and ability to minipulate exsisting animal housing
• Ablity to stand/walk for extended periods of time (4+hours/day)
• Ability to kneel/lift/reach for short periods of time

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.