Function/Duties of Position

An exciting opportunity in the field of immunology and cancer immunotherapy has been created in the laboratory of Dr. Amy Moran in the Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology Department at Oregon Health and Science University. Dr. Moran's research program is currently focused on understanding how sex hormones shape immune responses in healthy and diseased settings. The lab's goals are to determine the microenvironmental impacts of hormones and the response to these hormones by T cells on immunity in health and disease. We peform translational research partnering with clinicians to improve cancer therapy outcomes. We seek to identify novel mechanisms of cancer therapy failure with the hope that we can then drug these pathways to improve immunity.

This position is under the general supervision of the chair of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and under the direct supervision of Dr. Amy Moran.

We are looking for a Research Assistant 2 to provide support to ongoing lab research projects. The candidate will assist investigators with some or all of the following: preparation of research tools and reagents, maintaining lab equiptment and supplies, processing cell and tissue samples from mice and humans, animal husbandry and mouse colony management, clinical trial biorepository organization, purchasing and expense reconciliation, EPIC chart reviews, consenting patients to studies, and other general laboratory duties.

The candidate should have a scientific background, experience and general knowledge in all aspects of cell biology, tissue culture, and ideally flow cytometry. Coursework in immunology and exposure to immunological research techniques is preferred. Must be able to prioritize a variety of tasks, and be able to thrive in a team-oriented environment. The successful candidate should have strong organizational and problem-solving skills and pay attention to detail, be flexible with work schedule, and be able to follow direction yet work independently when necessary.

Responsibilities include:

• Animal care and procedures: health checks, tumor measurements, injections, necropsy, genotyping.
• Assist investigators with chart reviews, consenting patients, obtaining tissue and blood and processing, cell culture, flow cytometry.
• Routine laboratory housekeeping tasks and ordering of supplies.
• Maintenance of mouse colonies.
• Collecting data and simple data analysis and quantification.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelors Degree (4 yr) in biological sciences with coursework mammalian cell biology.

Experience:

• Formal experience in a wet bench cell/molecular biology research laboratory.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Independent problem-solving skills; reliability; motivation; high organizational skills (including data management); excellent interpersonal communication skills, team player.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Coursework in immunology, familiarity with tumor-immunotherapy.

Experience:

• Prior laboratory experience.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Experience with animal handling and flow cytometry.

Additional Details

To apply online upload a CV/resume and cover letter.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is generally 40 hours per week during normal working hours, however, some evening and weekend work is required. Additional safety training will be required to work with cell lines/ infectious bacteria or viruses/ working with in a BSL-2 environment. Working with laboratory animals is required, as well as with human blood and tissue samples. This position requires being on site everyday.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & EQUIPMENT USAGE:

Personnel will need to work at lab benches or desks for up to 8 hours at a time. Must be able to move between research locations with a distance of 0.4 miles. Ability to perform repetitive lab manipulations (gripping, grasping, reaching, twisting), move lab equipment under 25 lbs with accommodation. Personal protective equipment must be worn as required. (Gloves, eyewear, lab coat, etc).

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.