Research Assistant

US-OR-Portland

Requisition ID: 2026-40831
Position Category: Research
Job Type: Research
Position Type: Temporary Full-Time
Posting Department: Biomedical Engineering
Posting Salary Range: $23.18 - $33.02 per hour, with offer based on experience, education and internal equity
Posting FTE: 1.00
Posting Schedule: Monday - Friday; occasional evenings and weekends as needed
Posting Hours: Variable, 8:00am - 6:00pm
HR Mission: School of Medicine
Drug Testable: No

Department Overview

We are seeking a Research Assistant to support ongoing research in the OHSU Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME). Working with BME and other OHSU scientists, this position will collect human blood specimens by venipuncture and prepare samples for platelet-function studies; prepare and analyze light- and immunofluorescence-microscopy specimens; support chemical-proteomics experiments using photocrosslinking and click chemistry to identify drug-protein targets; collect, enter, analyze, and archive research data; maintain IRB and other regulatory documentation; assist with study start-up, maintenance, and research-subject visits; place laboratory orders; and maintain an organized, clean, and safe laboratory. For consideration, please upload a position-specific cover letter, and resume.

Function/Duties of Position

Ex vivo platelet and blood biology research

• Process blood samples for platelet function experiments in accordance with training, approved protocols and applicable safety procedures.
• Prepare and analyze microscopy slides for light and immunofluorescence microscopy; execute established experimental protocols; and collect accurate research data.

Ex vivo pharmacology, chemical proteomics and laboratory experimentation

• Prepare reagents and materials and perform or assist with biochemical and chemical-biology workflows, including photoaffinity labeling/photocrosslinking and click-chemistry methods used to enrich, detect, and help identify drug-protein targets.
• Maintain complete experimental records.

Compliance & documentation

• Maintain current required research training and work only within approved study procedures.

Laboratory operations

• Assist in placing and tracking laboratory orders; monitor supply, reagent, and chemical inventories; receive and organize materials; maintain clean, orderly, and inspection-ready work areas; and follow chemical-hygiene, sharps, biosafety, storage and waste-disposal procedures.

Other duties in support of laboratory research, human-subject studies, and laboratory organization, 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.

• Strong organizational and communication skills; ability to manage diverse tasks.

• Flexibility in work hours and a commitment to excellence.

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Proficiency with Microsoft applications (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint), Slidebook, Zeiss ZEN, Image J and other software applications,

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with major coursework in bioengineering, medical, biological, chemical and laboratory sciences; coursework in organic chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, or a closely related field is preferred.

• Prior experience with basic molecular-biology or biochemistry laboratory techniques, including pipetting, solution preparation, and accurate reagent calculations.

• Prior experience working with deidentified human blood samples for research; training and experience labeling, processing, or preparing deidentified human blood specimens in a research setting.

• Prior experience working with deidentified human blood samples for research; training and experience labeling, processing, or preparing deidentified human blood specimens in a research setting.

• Prior experience with organic chemistry or chemical proteomics, particularly photo-crosslinking and click chemistry for drug-target identification.

• Prior experience placing laboratory orders, tracking inventory, organizing reagents and supplies, and maintaining clean and compliant laboratory work areas.

• Experience independently processing whole blood samples for basic and translational platelet and blood research.

• Demonstrated expertise in laboratory experiments in hematology, coagulation, platelet biology, cell biology, and blood-borne-pathogen precautions.

• Applied expertise with organic chemistry and chemical biology, including safe handling of organic solvents and reactive reagents.

• Proven track record of with photo-crosslinking and bioorthogonal click-chemistry workflows used to enrich and identify small molecule-protein targets.

• Knowledge of interventional-cardiology tools and procedures, such as TAVR, is preferred.

Additional Details

Work is performed in research laboratories and may involve variable scheduling to support time-sensitive experiments.

The position has potential exposure to human blood and other body fluids, sharps, biohazards, chemical reagents and organic solvents, copper-containing click-chemistry reagents, and ultraviolet or other photoactivation light sources. Required safety training must be completed and maintained. Vaccination and/or immunization may be required. Required engineering controls and personal protective equipment, including gloves, lab coat, eye/face protection, and mask or respirator when indicated, must be used.

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.