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

Senior Research Assistant

US-OR-Portland

Requisition ID: 2026-41970
Position Category: Research
Job Type: Research
Position Type: Regular Full-Time
Posting Department: SM. Behavioral Neuroscience
Posting Salary Range: $49,878 - $78,665 per year, with offer based on experience, education and internal equity
Posting FTE: 1.00
Posting Schedule: Monday - Friday
Posting Hours: Variable, 8am - 6pm
HR Mission: School of Medicine
Drug Testable: No

Department Overview

This position supports an ongoing and well-established research program investigating molecular, biochemical, pharmacological and physiological effects of drugs of abuse. A Senior Research Assistant that is conscientious with high attention to detail is sought to work independently and within a research team.

The position includes molecular cloning and maintenance of stable cell lines using basic molecular biology techniques such as PCR. The position also includes work with rodents (handling, injections and surgical procedures), for which training will be provided.

Function/Duties of Position

• Perform laboratory experiments including: receptor binding and functional assays, drug activity analysis, molecular cloning and generation and maintenance of stable cell lines using aseptic technique, and experiments using rodents (handling, injections and surgical procedures).
• Recordkeeping, data organization and data management (e.g., experimental records, lab notebooks, data entry, data checking, data summary, data analysis, data graphing) using computational and online systems.
• Writing assignments, database searches, lab meetings, and special assignments related to posters for conferences, manuscripts, reports and grant applications.
• Other duties as required or assigned to fulfill the mission of the laboratory.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's in relevant field AND 1 years of relevant experience; OR

• Equivalent combination of training and experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Prior experience working in a research laboratory processing a high volume of samples (approximately 30 or more per day) with accurate, shared documentation.

• Experience with cell culture and aseptic technique.

• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques such as PCR and gel electrophoresis.

• Strong organizational and time management skills are critical.
• Strong attention to detail during task performance is also critical.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats.
• Ability to work independently and in small group settings.
• Ability to perform tasks that require sustained attention such as multi-hour surgery or behavioral tasks.
• Willingness and ability to be trained in rodent handling, injection and surgical techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. or B.A. (4 years) with major courses in field of research.

• B.S. degree in neuroscience, biology, psychology, biochemistry, or molecular biology.

• Minimum 2 years research experience.

• Mammalian cell culture.

• Receptor binding or functional assays.

• Rodent handling, injections or surgery.

• Writing SOPs and training others to use them.

• Molecular cloning.

• PCR analysis.

• Protein purification.

• Use of Excel, RStudio (or similar software for data analysis and curve fitting), Microsoft Office.

• SOP adherence. Experience keeping records in a regulated or audited research environment (e.g., GCP).

Additional Details

Occasional weekend, night, and/or holiday work is required. Job requires contact with mice or work in room where mice are housed for several hours per day. Exposure to BSL1 adeno-associated viral vectors.

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.