Research Assistant in Portland, Oregon at Oregon Health & Science University

Research Assistant

US-OR-Portland

Requisition ID: 2026-43304
Position Category: Research
Job Type: Research
Position Type: Regular Full-Time
Posting Department: SM. Molecular Microbiology Immunology
Posting Salary Range: $23.84 - $33.87 per hour, with offer based on relevant qualifications and internal equity
Posting FTE: 1.00
Posting Schedule: Monday - Friday, occasional weekend and evening work
Posting Hours: Variable, 8:00am - 5:00pm
HR Mission: School of Medicine
Drug Testable: No

Department Overview

The laboratory of Dr. Lauren Rodda in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology seeks a highly motivated individual to join the team as a Research Associate. The Rodda lab studies how tissue resident memory B cells and plasma cells function in non-lymphoid tissues. We study both how they provide rapid protection from respiratory infections including Influenza A virus and how they drive brain pathology in autoimmune encephalitis. Understanding the niche interactions that enable protection or cause inflammation will improve vaccine efficacy against these pathogens and may reveal new therapeutic targets for autoimmunity.

We are looking to hire a researcher to assist in research, ordering, laboratory and animal colony management with additional duties as needed. The candidate must possess an ability to work independently and problem-solve as needed with general supervision. Prior experience with animal work and/or tissue culture and/or microscopy and a training background in immunology is required and additional training background in virology or neuroscience is preferred. BSL2 lab experience preferred. Highly motivated individuals with strong organizational and written and verbal communication skills, an interest working in a collaborative team environment are encouraged to apply.

Individuals hired into this role are permitted to apply and participate in OHSU PROPEL, a 1–2-year workforce training program aimed at broadening access to careers in biomedical research. OHSU PROPEL provides professional development to Research Assistants who are intent on earning their doctoral degree as part of their long-term career goals. Program activities include attendance at scientific seminars, journal clubs, short courses, meetings with research and career mentors, and completing milestones (e.g., submitting graduate program applications, designing a research poster, and delivering an oral presentation, etc.). Involvement in the program aims to enhance scientific identity formation and empower scholars to effectively navigate their career transitions.

Function/Duties of Position

• Assistance in lab research projects (tissue culture, mouse experiments, human tissue processing, histology).
• Lab management (ordering, dish washing, autoclaving, stock reagents, inventory, safety protocol compliance, personnel onboarding, collaboration resource management, shipping).
• Maintain animal colonies (set up breeders, wean litters, euthanize animals, genotype, update database, communicate with lab members about problems).
• If selected, participate in OHSU PROPEL activities (no more than 5 hours/week), including seminars, short courses, and mentor meetings, to enhance research experience and career development. Apply program insights to research tasks and career planning, meeting key milestones that demonstrate proactive engagement and support professional growth.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's in relevant field; OR

• Associate's AND 3 years of relevant experience; OR

• 4 years of relevant experience; OR

• Equivalent combination of training and experience.

• BSL2 cell culture, PCR, pipetting and antibody staining skills required.

• Tissue processing for flow cytometry or similar assays.

• Efficient organization and management of many tasks over the week with out explicit direction.

• Demonstrates ability to troubleshoot problems in their area of expertise.

• Proficiency with standard office software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in the Biological Sciences with classes in Immunology and Microbiology.

• 2 or more years of relevant experience in immunology or virology research.

• 1 or more years supporting lab management at OHSU.

• Proficiency with molecular biology techniques.

• Experience with mouse handling.

• Experience independently performing: Tissue culture, Viral growth assays, Viral plaque or foci assays.

• Proven track record of supporting immunology or virology lab management (i.e. ordering, chemical safety, inventory, training interns, lab oversight, maintaining reagents).

• Previous contribution to scientific publication(s).

Additional Details

Work is generally 40 hours per week, but may be more or less from week to week. Work is primarily during normal working hours, but evening and weekend work is often necessary to take care of cells, samples and mice involved in time-sensitive experiments. Additional safety training is required to work with cell lines and viruses in a BSL-2 environment. Comfort with work on laboratory animals is a requirement of this position.

Benefits

• Healthcare for full-time employees covered 100% and 88% for dependents.
• $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from.
• Paid time off - 208 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
• Extended illness bank - 64 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
• 9 paid holidays per year.
• Substantial Tri-Met and C-Tran discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Childcare service discounts.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts to local and major businesses.