Research Assistant 2 at Oregon Health & Science University in Beaverton, Oregon

Job Description:

Oregon Health & Science University

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. 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.

Location: US-OR-Beaverton
Req ID: 2021-11456
Position Category: Research
Position Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Type: Research
Department: Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute
Salary Range: Minimum: $ 31,876, Midpoint: $ 47,929, Maximum: $ 63,981
Schedule: Schedule Varies
Hours: Hours Vary
HR Mission: Research


Department Overview

The Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute (VGTI) at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has assembled a multidisciplinary team of scientists to respond to serious viral disease threats, including AIDS, chronic viral infection-associated diseases, newly emerging viral diseases and infectious diseases of the elderly. Our programs are intended to span the continuum between basic and clinical science, in which discoveries are rapidly advanced from the level of molecular and cellular biology through animal models and ultimately into clinical testing. The development of this unique program in immunology and virology provides an important training opportunity for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at OHSU. This is why an important part of our mission is the training of young scientists in newer academic disciplines emerging at the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute.

Function/Duties of Position

Uncontrolled inflammation generates significant morbidity and mortality in many infectious (e.g. HIV) and non-infectious (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease) diseases. By utilizing non-human primate models of human disease (both viral and non-viral etiology), the Estes Laboratory works to elucidate determinants of local and systemic inflammation leading to tissue pathology, disease progression, and viral reservoir persistence, as well as tests therapeutics to modulate the immune landscape, restore immune homeostasis, and reduce viral reservoirs.

This position will be heavily involved in the development and standardization of assays for immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization (RNAscope). Experience with aspects of standard pathology techniques (e.g. microtomy and staining) is preferred; experience with RNAscope is highly desired. Additionally, this individual will also work in collaboration with other members of the laboratory to support in vivo experiments for a variety of projects, which may involve handling and processing of non-human primate samples and human clinical trial samples. General laboratory methods expected of this position include cell isolation, microtomy, use of manual and automated staining platforms (i.e. intelliPATH and Bond RX), multiplexed in situ hybridization and protein immunofluorescence, and multispectral imaging.

This position receives general supervision. Performs standardized, routine procedures and/or tests, and/or collects, abstracts, enters and/or analyzes data, and reports work done. Innovation and problem solving expected. Some design of experiments or research procedures to achieve project objectives desirable. The position will include analysis of immune cells, and therefore background in a relevant immunology lab, ideally in HIV/SIV, is desirable. Please note that this position is at OHSU's West Campus (Beaverton).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (4 yr.) with major courses in field of research/No Experience OR Associate's degree (2 yr.) and 3 years of relevant experience
• Ability to prioritize and execute multiple tasks in a work day.
• Must have excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills: both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Being collaborative in completing projects and resolving problems.
• Problem solving skills with the ability to listen, understand, and solve or de-escalate employee issues before they become more serious.
• Ability to always demonstrate the highest level of performance and behavior standards.
• Ability to be honest and straightforward, dealing with issues fairly and consistently.
• Ability to be a team player. Support and assist team members. Be available to help, and learn from the team. Keep an open mind to feedback, and earn trust of staff and providers.
• Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (4 yr.) with major courses in field of research/No Experience OR Associate's degree (2 yr.) and 3 years of relevant experience
• Must have basic laboratory skills- pipetting, ability to make calculations.
• Comfortable with tissue processing and handling.
• Experience in microtomy
• Knowledge of multiplexed immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization based methods.
• Previous experience or education in HIV/SIV disease and research.
• Familiar with whole slide digital imaging.
• Prior experience working with non-human primates and/or non-human primate derived specimens.
• Experience/Knowledge of preparing cryostat sections, immunohistochemistry, imaging using an array platforms; serum, plasma, and mononuclear cell isolation
• Must be proficient with computers running Apple and Windows/PC applications (e.g. MS Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint).
• Registrations, Certifications and/or Licenses: Histotechnician, HT (ASCP), Histotechnologist, HTL (ASCP) certified and/or Medical Technologist, MT (ASCP)

Additional Details

Working conditions:

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Willingness to work with pathogens potentially dangerous to humans.
• Willingness to work in Biosafety Level 2 and 3 facilities.
• Willingness to work with nonhuman primate specimens.

Physical demands & equipment usage:

Ability to carry and lift 35lbs; ability to stand for 3 continuous hours a day; ability to work on a computer for 5 continuous hours a day; ability to read fine print; ability to perform essential functions of the position with or without accommodation; TB screening with occupational health required every 6 to 12 months.

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