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

Research Assistant

US-OR-Portland

Requisition ID: 2026-39973
Position Category: Research
Job Type: Research
Position Type: Regular Full-Time
Posting Department: Vollum Institute - Mao Lab
Posting Salary Range: $48,214 - $68,681 per year, with offer based on experience, education and internal equity
Posting FTE: 1.00
Posting Schedule: Monday - Friday, flexible with some evenings/weekends as experiments demand
Posting Hours: Standard laboratory work, 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 position is to perform independent research projects to develop and characterize genetically encoded sensors and actuators for second messenger signaling pathways, assist with senior members in the relevant directions in the Zhong Laboratory in the Vollum Institute.

• Molecular biological experiment to develop and screen sensor for actuator variants for second messenger signaling pathways.
• Characterization and functional verification of the promising tool candidates.
• Contribute to the planning, design, manuscript writing, grant or regulatory documentations, modification of studies and experiments.
• Lab maintenance.
• 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.

• Basic laboratory skills.

• Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.

• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships.

• Highly motivated and comfortable handling cell culture and microscopes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with imaging and/or molecular biology desired, as well as knowledge of mouse surgery, genetics, pharmacology and/or neurobiology.

• Meticulously organized, detail oriented, independent, and possess strong problem solving abilities.

• Must be comfortable with custom rigs and computer codes.

Additional Details

Monday - Friday, days, with occasional evening or weekend work.

Typical laboratory environment; standing, sitting for long periods of time and lifting up to 35lbs are required.