Research Associate at Oregon Health & Science University – Portland, Oregon

Research Associate

US-OR-Portland

Requisition ID: 2026-38645
Position Category: Research
Job Type: Research
Position Type: Temporary Full-Time
Posting Department: Vollum Institute- von Gersdorff Lab
Posting Salary Range: $50,814 - $84,698 per year, with offer based on experience, education and internal equity
Posting FTE: 1.00
Posting Schedule: Monday - Friday with some evenings/weekends as experiments demand
Posting Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm (flexible) with some evenings/weekends as experiments demand
HR Mission: Research
Drug Testable: No

Department Overview

The Vollum Institute is a privately endowed research institute at Oregon Health & Science University dedicated to basic research that will lead to new treatments for neurological and psychiatric diseases. Vollum scientists have broad-ranging interests that coalesce around molecular neurobiology and cellular physiology. Their work has transformed the field of neuroscience and, in particular, have provided important advances in the study of synaptic transmission, neuronal development, neurotransmitter transporters, ion channels and the neurobiology of disease.

Function/Duties of Position

The purpose of the temporary position is to perform key electrophysiology experiments and dedicated time to write scientific papers and also on occasion to serve as the point of contact person for all zebra finch related lab questions. This position is temporary for a limited duration and not benefits eligible. The FTE can be negotiated and depends on experience.

• Perform patch clamp electrophysiology experiments on zebra finch songbird brain slices and do data analysis and write scientific papers.
• Management – support fellow postdocs and PI with paper and possibly grant writing.
• Database and Animal Maintenance – Provide help with animal breeding in our facility as well as perform immunocytochemistry and/or in situ experiments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD degree with major courses in relevant field and 3 years of relevant experience; OR
• Bachelor’s in Science degree with major courses in field of research (biophysics and/or neurobiology) and 5 years of relevant experience.

• Experience with working with vertebrate animals and associated/relevant responsibilities.

• The ideal candidate is highly motivated, creative, independent, and possesses strong problem-solving skills.

• Previous experience with zebra finches and biophysics a major plus, but not required.

• Proficient in Microsoft office suite.
• Ability to clearly communicate and present key scientific data and results.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 or more years of electrophysiology experience.
• Zebra finch experience.

Additional Details

Monday - Friday (days) in a typical laboratory environment, may include weekends and evenings.