Description

Senior Research Assistant

US-OR-Portland

Requisition ID: 2026-38112
Position Category: Research
Job Type: Research
Position Type: Regular Full-Time
Posting Department: SM. Biomedical Engineering
Posting Salary Range: $43,388 - $65,062 per year, with offer based on experience, education and internal equity
Posting FTE: 1.00
HR Mission: School of Medicine
Drug Testable: No

Department Overview

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute is a pioneer in personalized cancer treatment and innovative basic discovery research. The institute focuses on precision oncology, the early detection, prevention, and treatment of cancer, and creating a welcoming and supportive environment for its caregivers, researchers, and support personnel. Knight affiliates subscribe to three guiding principles: we are bold, we are supportive, and we work as a connected team in our fight to end cancer as we know it. We'd love for you to join us!

 

The Gibbs laboratory engages in research focused on novel macroscopic and microscopic imaging technologies to improve personalized medicine. Dr. Gibbs is looking for a Senior Research Assistant to provide technical and scientific expertise in rodent animal colony maintenance, macroscopic fluorescence imaging and animal protocol maintenance. The Gibbs laboratory is a collaborative environment and is situated in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, located in the OHSU Robertson Life Sciences Building.

 

Work in the Gibbs Lab will be focused on a wet and dry bench research involving small animals, including surgery, necropsy and animal tissue processing, patient specimen analyses, large data analysis and integration with wet bench observations. Wet bench duties include working with rodents, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, microscopy, processing and analyses of rodent and human tissues, molecular biology and biochemistry assays. Dry bench duties will include imaging analysis and quantification. Candidate must be experienced in working within a team, demonstrate a willingness for collaboration, have data management experience, have large data processing, quality control, and analysis expertise, and demonstrate a willingness to learn. Ultimately, this position directly supports the principal investigators' discoveries and scholarly work.

 

Dr. Gibbs seeks a person who is action-oriented, makes sound decisions, and is accountable for results. They must be direct and truthful, accepts constructive direction and acts to implement requests, adapting quickly to changes in work assignments and workflow.

Function/Duties of Position

• Wet lab duties:
  • Manage rodent colonies (mice and rats) including all animal ordering.
  • Conduct fluorescence guided surgery studies on novel nerve and cancer probes.
  • Assist other team members to handle, harvest and/or process animal tissues.
  • Assist other team members with generation of cancer models.
  • Organize materials and resources within the laboratory and computer environment.
  • Use of aseptic technique.
  • Training and mentoring responsibilities will also be required periodically.
• Maintain and manage IACUC protocol.
• Dry lab duties:
  • Image analysis, organization and quality control.
  • Manage lab DEA license for research.
• Work within the team on manuscripts and written protocols.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's in relevant field AND 1 years of relevant experience; OR
• Equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Wet bench experience.
• Epic training and usage.
• Must be willing to work with animals and human specimens.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree OR 3 years of relevant experience.
• 3 years of relevant wet bench experience.
• 3 years of relevant experience, including hands-on experience with animal handling and basic molecular experimental techniques.
• At least 1 year of experience with the following:
  • Macroscopic imaging
  • Understanding of basic statistics and some of its applications to biomedical science.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time.

• Excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills, both written and verbal.

   

• Ability to work in a team setting.

• Experience in a professional, team-oriented biology environment.

• Animal handling and experimentation.

• Knowledge and understanding of image analysis platforms.

Additional Details

Work locations include OHSU South Waterfront Campus.

This is a 100% in-person position.

All are welcome
Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.

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