Senior Research Assistant - Oregon Health & Science University

Department Overview:

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, known as one of the pioneers in personalized cancer medicine, is an international leader in research and cancer treatment. Driven by its mission to end cancer as we know it, the institute is building upon its expertise in targeted treatments to advance the early detection of cancer when the disease is most treatable.

 

The Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research (CEDAR) center is a collaborative institution within the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. The Knight Cancer Institute, known as one of the pioneers in personalized cancer medicine, is an international leader in research and cancer treatment. At CEDAR our mission is to detect and stop lethal cancers at the earliest stage because early detection saves lives. This is an ambitious goal, one that requires novelty, creativity, and innovation. We are comprised of biologists, chemists, biomedical engineers, computationalists, and clinicians conducting groundbreaking translational cancer research to help people maintain a high quality of life and reduce cancer mortality, to create a global early detection community, and to have a positive impact on the Oregon economy.

 

Our Commitment to Diversity: CEDAR is committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community. We are dedicated to promoting inclusion and multiculturalism by having outstanding researchers of diverse backgrounds work together on multiple projects. We encourage high-risk, high-reward research projects because defeating cancer requires out-of-the-box thinking and new perspectives. Our research is milestone driven to ensure that each project is fulfilling its stated goals.

 

Every Knight Cancer employee is expected to embody our guiding principles: 

• We act BOLDLY—Breakthroughs require pushing the boundaries of science, exploring new frontiers, and thinking differently
• We SUPPORT each other—Respect leads to trust, which leads to excellence
• We work as a CONNECTED team—We must leverage our collective brain power to conquer cancer because no one individual can do it alone

Function/Duties of Position:

As a Research Assistant 2 or Senior Research Assistant, you will be a highly motivated and driven person with an interest in studying early cancer biology and effect of tissue heterogeneity in hormone-driven cancers such as prostate and breast cancer.  Experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques is required. Duties include culturing cell lines and primary cells, handling tissue of different sources (i.e fresh, FFPE, OCT…), generating and optimizing NGS libraries and performing protein assays, mainly RIME. We are specifically looking for individuals that work well both individually and in a highly collaborative team.

 

CEDAR laboratory research:

• Culture cell lines and primary cells, following protocols for fixation and antibody precipitation.
• Generate single-cell sequencing libraries, both plate -based and high-throughput potentially using liquid handlers.
• Assist in antibody validations and RIME method development.
• Participate in the design of experiments and research studies to meet project objectives
• Demonstrate increased innovation and problem-solving abilities

Laboratory Organization and Compliance: 

• Provide stability and continuity of knowledge as people and projects change.
• Assist in organizing program work spaces and managing project protocols
• Aid in the submission of specific protocols to the Institutional Biosafety Committee and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and other regulatory review boards

Serve as secondary support for overall lab function by maintaining equipment, ordering supplies, and troubleshooting instrument problems

Protected Work Time: Protected time for non-research related CEDAR work, including time for CEDAR Council, Infrastructure, DEI, Engagement, Professional Development, etc.

Required Qualifications:

Education & experience:

• RA2: Bachelor’s in relevant field OR associate’s degree (2 years) and 3 years of relevant experience OR 4 years of relevant experience OR equivalent combination of training and experience
• SRA: Bachelor’s in relevant field and 1 year of relevant experience OR equivalent combination of training and experience

 

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Strong interest, drive and experience in participating in conducting cancer research
• Experience with NGS sequencing library generation
• Excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time
• Technical proficiency, scientific creativity, and independent thinking
• Ability to operate complex scientific equipment and develop experimental protocols
• Experience handling chemical and biologically hazardous materials

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and programming in RStudio and Unix/Linux Command Line
• Experience with cell and tissue culture
• Experience with handling tissues of various origin and format (i.e human or mouse, fresh, FFPE, OCT- embedded samples)
• Experience with antibody and protein-based assays
• Knowledge of lab policies and regulations, including safety, animal use, and radiation

Additional Details:

Apply online. Please be sure to upload a Cover Letter and Resume/CV.

 

We offer a variety of benefits on top of joining a thriving organization:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage at no or low cost to employees
  • Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents
• Several retirement plans to choose from with contributions from OHSU
• 25 days a year of paid time off
• 8 days of sick time off
• Commuter subsidies
• Tuition reimbursement
• Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits
• Annual Merit Increase
• Growth/Development Opportunities
• Employee discounts to local and major businesses

#linkedin #indeed #knightcancerjobs #knightresearchandlabjobs #knightresearchjobs  

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.