Postdoctoral Scholar - Oregon Health & Science University

Department Overview:

The Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) is located 12 miles west of the OHSU main campus, and sits on 162 acres of land featuring forested areas, research and administration buildings, indoor and outdoor animal housing, a pond, and 2-mile perimeter walking path. 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:

This position is for a postdoctoral researcher who will work on ongoing studies in nonhuman primate (NHP) models to study premature birth and perinatal health. This work includes studies of intrauterine infection, inflammation and neurodevelopmental injury.

 

Qualified candidates will hold a PhD in biology, neuroscience, reproductive immunology, microbiology or equivalent field and possess a comprehensive understanding of mammalian physiology, reproductive biology and/or perinatal and placental physiology. Competency in microbial culture, flow cytometry, histological staining and imaging OR molecular biology techniques, especiallyspatial transcriptomics is highly preferred.

 

Applicants will be expected to develop skills related to the management of ongoing in vivo and in vitro nonhuman primate studies, working directly with NHPs, performing procedures and for collection of post-mortem samples. Applicants should be able to work in a team dynamic, carry out research unsupervised, keep up-to-date on relevant literature in the field, provide meaningful data reports for presentation at scientific meetings and prepare manuscripts and grant/fellowship applications.

 

Computer experience in Microsoft Word, Excel and statistical software is required. The applicant must have excellent organizational and communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with investigators, clinicians and veterinary/husbandry staff. Salary will be commensurate with NIH postdoctoral salary. This position will at times require working early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekend, holiday or overnight work as required by the scope of the studies.

 

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards

 

1. Technical Research: Contribute independently and in a team in vivo and in vitro research studies in NHPs. Laboratory skills in molecular and cellular biology are required. This individual will assist in experimental design, development of new technologies and direct performance of studies.
2. Data Collection and Analyses: Collects, compiles, and analyzes data, including performing statistical evaluations. Presents the raw and analyzed data to the supervisor, and interprets the findings as related to the project and relevant scientific literature. Maintains an up-to-date laboratory notebook that includes experimental details, results and analyses, and assures the integrity of any databases that are generated.
3. Report Preparation: Prepares data for publication, presentation, and/or progress reports. These include written abstracts, journal manuscripts, annual progress reports for funding agencies, grant applications, and presentations for seminars, etc.
4. Laboratory Assistance: Assist as needed with routine laboratory maintenance and ordering that are necessary for its day-to-day activities. Provide guidance and oversight to students and trainees.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• A postdoctoral appointee must have a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a productive manner
• Excellent manual and intellectual skills to accurately perform research techniques, including cell or tissue culture, molecular biology, and immunocytochemistry/ immunofluorescence
• Working knowledge of computer software for word processing, data storage and analyses, graphics and presentations
• Excellent organizational and communication (written and oral) skills
• Must have strong interpersonal skills to work effectively and skillfully with a diverse group of investigators, students, research support staff and animal care personnel
• Must be able to prioritize work demands, and coordinate research protocols with other laboratory members and support staff

Preferred Qualifications:

Education:

• Experience in reproductive immunology, placental or perinatal physiology

Experience:

• Experience working with mammalian models to investigate biological and reproductive processes
• Experience presenting work at national/international meetings, submitting manuscripts for publication

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Experience with microbiological culture techniques, flow cytometry, spatial transcriptomics, brain histology and imaging, large animal models or primates, laboratory animal surgery

Additional Details:

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Normal work schedule is routinely Monday through Friday from approximately 8:30am to 5:00pm; however, early morning, evening, and occasional weekend and overnight work is required by scope of the position
• Work is performed in both the laboratory setting with potential risk of exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals and dry ice and in areas where there is potential risk of exposure to zoonotic agents through injury, by direct contact with animals or their tissues and body fluids, or by contact with equipment contaminated by animals or their tissues and body fluids

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS & EQUIPMENT USAGE: 

• Ability to lift or move equipment and devices up to 50 lbs. Ability to stand for up to 4 continuous hours per day
• Ability to sit and use instruments on a laboratory bench for up to 4 continuous hours per day.
• Ability to sit and use a computer for 1-2 hours at a time. Ability to use computer keyboard
• Ability to physically perform tasks involving handling, moving, or restraint of animals, collection of samples, administration of treatments, and other procedures (this may involve moving on wet and/or slick surfaces, through narrow corridors, between rows of cages)

All are welcome: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.